The community of Turlock commemorated the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 with reverence, a commitment to teach the younger generations about that fateful day in America’s history and with Runs of Remembrance.

Turlock’s Sept. 11 events started at 8:46 a.m. Friday with the annual ceremony at Fire Station No. 31. This somber event paid tribute to those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, with an emphasis on the first responders who perished while responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.

“Twenty-five years. It’s hard to believe that a quarter of a century has passed since Sept. 11, 2001. For those veteran or retired members of the fire and police service, Sept. 11 is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a date permanently etched into the fabric of who we are…On that fateful morning, Box 8087 for Church and Vessi streets was sounded; 343 members of the FDNY, 23 New York City police officers, and 37 Port Authority officers all answered their last alarm. They did what first responders had done for hundreds of years — they willingly ran towards danger, as so many others were trying desperately to escape it,” said Turlock Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Serpa during the ceremony on Friday morning.

“So today, 25 years later, we pause. We remember the fallen. We honor the survivors. We recognize those who still carry the physical and emotional scars. And we recommit ourselves to the values that define this profession: duty, honor, courage, selfless service and brotherhood,” Serpa continued.

A firefighter then rang a bell to symbolize the end of duty for the fallen first responders.

The City of Turlock continued its Sept. 11 events Friday evening at the Turlock Regional Sports Complex. The events began with a remembrance lap led by Turlock firefighters and police officers, followed by a red, white and blue color run and then a community run.

“Thank you for being here, for running and for acknowledging the 25 years since such a huge, significant loss,” said Mayor Amy Bublak at the Run for Remembrance event.

Earlier in the week, the Stanislaus State chapter of Young Americans for Freedom joined Young America’s Foundation’s nationwide 9/11: Never Forget Project. The students put 2,977 American flags at the Quad Flagpole on Wednesday to honor the Americans who lost their lives during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

“The display also serves as a reminder that the events of September 11 were not simply a moment in history, but a defining moment for a generation of Americans,” stated a press release sent by Madeline Iwasyk.

Hilmar High School students also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The cross country team spent the early morning hours of Friday lining Lander Avenue with American flags.