Phoenix 9/11 remembrance event connects youth to Arizona’s Ground Zero responders

PHOENIX — Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the city of Phoenix will bring generations together for an evening of remembrance, reflection and conversation between young people who were not yet born on 9/11 and members of Arizona Task Force 1.

Managed by the Phoenix Fire Department, Arizona Task Force 1 deployed 62 heroic firefighters, police officers, doctors and dog handlers to Ground Zero.

The centerpiece of the public event on Thursday, Sept. 10 will be a discussion featuring members of Arizona Task Force 1 and Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leaders. Moderated by Mark Brodie, co-host of “The Show” on KJZZ, the conversation will provide young people an opportunity to ask questions, hear firsthand experiences from those who responded to Ground Zero and explore what 9/11 means to their generation.

“Every American old enough to remember has a 9/11 story, and Phoenix’s 9/11 story is special in that it reflects how two communities in opposite corners of the country are bound by patriotism, compassion, and care for one another,” stated Mayor Kate Gallego in a news release. “Bringing the heroes of Arizona Task Force 1 and young people together gives us an opportunity to share history in a deeply personal way, and to remind ourselves of what is possible when people come together in moments of crisis."

Councilwoman Ann O’Brien, who was appointed by Mayor Gallego to lead the City’s commemoration efforts, made youth involvement a priority from the start, bringing young people to the table to help shape Phoenix’s remembrance of 9/11.

“Our young people are asking thoughtful questions because they understand that remembering is not just about looking back. It’s about understanding who we were as a country in that moment, what brought us together, and how we can carry the values of service, sacrifice, and unity forward,” O’Brien stated in the release.

The event will also include remarks from Phoenix Fire Chief Mike Duran and Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano. The Phoenix Multi-Agency Honor Guard and Phoenix Boys Choir will also participate.

Phoenix Remembers: 9/11 – 25 Years Later

• “Voices Across Generations"
• 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
• Memorial Hall at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road.
• The event is free and open to the public.

Through the city’s Office of Youth and Education, young people from across Phoenix have participated in focus groups, shared ideas and helped shape the city’s commemoration. More information about youth-led initiatives intended to create opportunities for Phoenix residents of all ages can be found at phoenix.gov/PHXRemembers.

Editor's note: The above was republished from a city of Phoenix news release.