Tempe school honors first responders in 9/11 anniversary gathering

By Madeline Bates
Mail

The Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary School honored the first responders of Sept. 11, 2001, by inviting the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Tempe Police to an assembly.

The Sept. 11 event was led by Principal Spencer Fallgatter, who invited parents and Tempe Police officers to educate students about what happened in New York 25 years ago.

“It’s so important for our students to continue to remember what sacrifices have been made by our active and inactive military and law enforcement,” Fallgatter said.

In 2025, an estimated 100 million people in the U.S. were under age 25, and even more were small children during the attacks.

Fallgatter says that it’s important to educate the youth about Patriot Day and to never forget what happened and how military and first responders sprang into action.

Officers Karl Kresin and Kentrell Whitehead said they started the day with a moment of silence as a force before some went to go educate or serve, in honor of those who have fallen.

Tempe volunteers on Sept. 11 also hosted Healing Fields, where over 3,000 flags were placed in the lawn at Tempe Beach Park. Other events include a concert, a moment of silence and a candlelight vigil.

“We always get a big turnout, and it’s really important to us to see everyone show up,” Kresin said.

Tempe Healing Fields is hosting events throughout the weekend and is looking for volunteers to help take down the flags at 6 a.m. Sept. 14.

For information, visit Tempe Healing Field – remembering 9/11

To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

Madeline Bates
Reporter | Tempe/East Phoenix

mbates@iniusa.org

Meet Madeline

Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).  

Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.

Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.

Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.

Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.