Posted Sept. 21, 2026

Twenty-five years after the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001, the passage of time has not dimmed the memory or the solemnity of Patriot Day across North Texas. On Friday, September 11, 2026, residents, military personnel, and local first responders throughout the Burleson area and Johnson County gathered for quiet reflection and community observances marking a quarter-century since the tragic attacks.

Local leaders and first responders join NAS JRB Fort Worth personnel for a 25th anniversary 9/11 remembrance ceremony, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Celeste Cerda)

In Burleson, the day began with early morning honors led by local public safety officers. At local fire stations and the municipal center, flags were lowered to half-staff at 7:46 a.m. CDT—marking the exact moment Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center 25 years ago. 

Members of the Burleson Fire Department and Burleson Police Department stood side-by-side in uniform to observe moments of silence, honoring the 2,977 victims killed, including the 343 firefighters and 71 law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty that morning.

“Twenty-five years sounds like a long time, but for those of us who remember where we were, and for every first responder who puts on a badge or turnout gear every day, the gravity of September 11th remains just as powerful,” noted one local official during a station moment of silence. “It serves as a constant reminder of our oath to protect and serve our neighbors.”

In addition to municipal observances, community members and faith leaders held local prayer gatherings, while area schools—including Burleson High School and Centennial High School—observed campus-wide moments of silence and classroom discussions reflecting on the day’s historic significance, patriotism, and national resilience.

Just northwest of Burleson, one of the region’s largest formal military observances took place at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. Service members from all branches gathered alongside North Texas civic leaders and emergency responders for a joint 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. The ceremony featured an official color guard, a solemn flag-raising, and remarks highlighting the legacy of service and sacrifice born out of the 2001 attacks.

Col. Abel Ramos, 301st Fighter Wing commander, attends a 25th anniversary 9/11 remembrance ceremony at NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Celeste Cerda)

Local leaders and first responders join NAS JRB Fort Worth personnel for a 25th anniversary 9/11 ceremony, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Celeste Cerda)

Across Johnson and Tarrant counties, local leaders emphasized that the 25th anniversary is not only about looking back at tragedy, but about carrying forward the spirit of unity and selfless service that defined the nation in the days following September 11. As flags returned to full-staff at sunset, the message throughout the Burleson area remained steadfast: Never Forget.

NAS JRB Fort Worth hosts a 25th anniversary 9/11 remembrance ceremony with local leaders and first responders, Sept. 11, 2026. 

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Celeste Cerda)

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