25 YEARS LATER — WE REMEMBER, WE HONOR, WE WILL NEVER FORGET
St. Landry Parish Veterans Memorial Committee to Host 25th Anniversary Commemoration of September 11, 2001
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA — Twenty-five years have passed since September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed America. Yet the memories of that day remain deeply etched in our hearts. The St. Landry Parish Veterans Memorial Committee in conjunction with St. Landry Parish Government will host a solemn 25th Anniversary Commemoration of the Attacks on America on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse in Opelousas, Louisiana.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is:
“NEVER FORGET”
On September 11, 2001, 2,977 innocent lives were lost. Families were forever changed. Thousands of survivors carried physical and emotional scars. And brave first responders ran toward danger while others were running away. Four hundred forty-one first responders ultimately lost their lives in connection with the attacks and their aftermath.
Twenty-five years later, we pause to remember every life lost, every family affected, every survivor, and every first responder who answered the call.
The commemoration will include guest speakers, reflections, patriotic tributes, and special recognition honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who demonstrated extraordinary courage and compassion in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
“September 11, 2001, is a day we must never allow history to forget. Twenty-five years later, the pain of that day may have softened for some, but the significance of those lives lost and those sacrifices made must remain strong in our hearts. We gather not only to remember the 2,977 innocent people who never returned home, but also to honor the first responders, survivors, families, military members, and ordinary Americans who showed extraordinary courage. As we say ‘Never Forget,’ we are making a promise—to remember their names, honor their sacrifices, and teach future generations why we must always stand together as Americans.”
The St. Landry Parish Veterans Memorial Committee invites veterans, first responders, elected officials, civic organizations, churches, schools, families, and citizens throughout St. Landry Parish and surrounding communities to join us for this meaningful observance. We encourage the community to join us as we stand together in remembrance, unity, and gratitude.
This 25th anniversary is more than a commemoration. It is a reminder of a nation brought together by tragedy, of heroes who answered the call, and of the strength and resilience of the American people. Please show your red, white and blue!
We remember the lives. We honor the heroes. We support the survivors and families. We reflect on the sacrifice. We will never forget.