Houston Mayor John Whitmire hosted a remembrance ceremony on September 11, 2025, at Houston City Hall to honor the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks.
The ceremony took place at 11 a.m., gathering military representatives, first responders, and Victoria d’Angelo-Thompkins, a retired NYPD Detective and U.S. Navy Veteran. She responded to the twin towers during the attacks on September 11, 2001.
The ceremony emphasized the importance of unity and patriotism. Mayor Whitmire highlighted the significance of remembering the nearly 3,000 lives lost and how the event united America. He remarked that coming together strengthens both the community of Houston and the nation.
Samica Knight, an anchor from KTRK ABC 13, served as the emcee for the ceremony. The Houston Fire Department and Houston Police Department Color Guards conducted the Presentation of Colors. Scotty Frazier, a United States Marine Corps Iraq Veteran, sang the National Anthem. Chaplain Tyler Hicks from the Houston Fire Department delivered the Invocation. Chaplain Vincent Johnson with the Houston Police Department provided the closing prayer.
Assistant Chief Mohammad Koochack of the Houston Fire Department delivered the keynote address during the event. The ceremony took place on the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The attacks, orchestrated by al-Qaida militants, resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people. Among the victims were financial workers at the World Trade Center and emergency responders who rushed to the scene.
The impact of the attacks extended beyond the immediate loss of life. They had a lasting global influence, altering the course of U.S. policy both domestically and internationally. The attacks led to the “Global War on Terrorism,” which included U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. These conflicts resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of troops and civilians.
While the hijackers died in the attacks, the U.S. government continues to face challenges in concluding legal proceedings against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. He is accused of masterminding the plot. Authorities arrested the former al-Qaida leader in Pakistan in 2003. He was later transferred to a U.S. military base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where he remains without trial.
The remembrance ceremony in Houston served as a moment for reflection and commemoration, providing an opportunity for community members to come together in solidarity. The event underscored the shared resolve and resilience in the face of tragedy. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to honor the memory of those who perished and the bravery of first responders who risked their lives.
Houston’s ceremony is one of many across the United States that commemorates the September 11 attacks. It reflects a nationwide commitment to remember and honor the past while looking towards a future of unity and strength.