Missoula Remembers: Two September 11th Ceremonies Planned Friday

Almost all of us who are old enough remember exactly what they were doing on the morning of September 11, 2001, when they heard the news.

And the shock of realizing it was actually for real.

No planes in the air. No sporting events. No anything normal.

HONORING THE FALLEN WITH TWO CEREMONIES

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of those horrific attacks on our country, "Never Forget" organizer Susan Campbell Reneau tells us that this year, there will be two September 11^th 25^th Anniversary Ceremonies, starting with honors to firemen and EMTs at 9:30 a.m. at the University of Montana Amphitheatr near the “M” trail and continuing with the annual Never Forget Ceremony at Rose Memorial Garden Park along Brooks Street starting at 6 p.m.

FLAGS BY THE THOUSANDS

At Rose Memorial Garden Park,  7,000 tiny American flags will be planted in honor of all civilians, first responders and military personnel that died that day 25 years ago and onward recovering bodies and personal items or fighting terrorists in the military stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A brass quintet led by Army National Guard First Sgt. Richard Little will play patriotic music while children and adults place the flags.

The formal Never Forget Service starts at 7 p.m. at Rose Park to honor the 2,977 civilians, military, and first responders who died on 911 and all the first responders and military who died after 911 Civilian and religious honor and color guards will slowly walk behind bagpipers from the Korean War Memorial to the Vietnam War Memorial. Speakers will dedicate their remarks and represent civilians, military, and first responders.

Both ceremonies are open to the public.