Reno and Sparks are joining together for a joint remembrance ceremony on Friday morning, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The event will begin at 5:30 a.m. at Reno City Plaza, a central gathering place for the community.
Program and Participants
The ceremony will open with the playing of the National Anthem, followed by official proclamations from Mayor Hillary Schieve of Reno and Mayor Ed Lawson of Sparks. Both mayors will speak, emphasizing the enduring impact of the attacks on families, first responders, and the nation as a whole.
Reno and Sparks police and fire departments will take part, each presenting an honor guard. Bell‑ringing ceremonies will mark the exact moments the first and second airplanes struck the World Trade Center, providing a poignant auditory reminder of that tragic day. The program will also acknowledge the passengers and crew of the flights that crashed at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.
Mayor Statements
“It has been 25 years, but we continue to remember the lives forever changed by the events of September 11,” said Mayor Schieve. “On this day, we honor those we lost, recognize the incredible courage and sacrifice of the first responders, and take a moment as a community to come together and reflect on an event that changed our nation.”
Mayor Lawson added, “Most of us can remember exactly where we were on Sept. 11, 2001. We will never forget the incredible shock and deep sadness we all felt. We will never forget the brave first responders who ran toward danger to help others. We will never forget the innocent lives lost and the many families forever changed. Although this 25th anniversary is a somber day, I hope we also remember how we as Americans came together in the days that followed to support and help one another.”
Closing Honors and Virtual Access
The ceremony will conclude with the playing of “Taps” and the hymn “Amazing Grace,” offering a solemn close to the morning’s reflections. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available on the City of Reno’s YouTube channel, ensuring that all residents can participate in the remembrance.
This joint effort underscores the close partnership between Reno and Sparks and highlights the importance of community solidarity in honoring our shared history. By gathering early in the morning, the cities demonstrate a commitment to remembering the sacrifices made and to teaching future generations the value of unity, faith, and patriotism.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.