9/11 Remembrance

Coastal Bend College Commemorates 25th Anniversary of September 11

Coastal Bend College gathered at its 9/11 Commemorative Tree on Friday morning to honor the 2,977 people who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and recognize the courage, compassion and sacrifice demonstrated in the aftermath.

The observance began in front of the Peter S. Marecek Physical Fitness Center with a prayer led by Dr. Kayla Devora-Jones, CBC Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. Sgt. James Musquez, CBC Director of Information Technology and senior vice commander of Beeville VFW Post 9170, then presented a timeline recounting the events of September 11.

The presentation traced the events from the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. through the attacks on the South Tower and Pentagon, the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. Attendees also reflected on the courage of the first responders who ran toward danger, the passengers and crew members of Flight 93 who fought back, and the strangers who helped one another amid the tragedy.

“Today’s observance—and each year’s observance—is important because, 25 years later, there is an entire generation that was not yet alive when September 11 happened,” Musquez said. “Those of us who were old enough to remember and understand what occurred that day witnessed history. We owe it to those who lost their lives on September 11 and during the wars that followed to continue honoring their memory.”

The ceremony concluded with attendees standing for a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims, their families, the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice and all those whose lives were forever changed that day.

Through its annual observance, Coastal Bend College remains committed to preserving their stories, honoring their courage and ensuring future generations understand the lasting significance of September 11.

Never forget.