Nearly a quarter century after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Amarillo paused Thursday morning to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost and to honor the first responders whose sacrifice defined that day.
Across the nation, solemn commemorations marked the 24th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist assault in U.S. history. In New York City, bells tolled at Ground Zero as the names of the victims were read aloud. At the Pentagon, officials gathered to reflect on the 184 lives lost there. In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, mourners honored the passengers and crew of United Flight 93, who fought back against hijackers and prevented further tragedy. Together, these services served as reminders that the attacks not only reshaped the country’s sense of security but also redefined the meaning of service and sacrifice.
In Amarillo, hundreds of residents joined first responders at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center for a ceremony that echoed those themes of remembrance and resilience.
Ceremony of remembrance
The event opened with a helicopter flyover from LifeStar, drawing all eyes forward as the honor guards stood assembled. Representatives from the Amarillo Fire Department, Amarillo Police Department, Potter and Randall County sheriff’s offices, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Amarillo Medical Services/AMR posted the colors.
Tony Hopkins, administrative supervisor for Amarillo Medical Services/AMR, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the lives lost and the unity forged in the aftermath of the attacks.
“We all remember where we were that morning, and how for one brief time, we set aside differences and stood together,” Hopkins said. “That’s the lesson of 9/11 — courage in the face of fear, service before self, and unity stronger than division.”
Hopkins reflected on the thousands who rushed into danger that day — firefighters, police officers, paramedics and ordinary citizens — many of whom never came home. He noted that while nearly 3,000 were killed in the attacks, hundreds of first responders have since died from illnesses linked to Ground Zero.
“This isn’t just history,” Hopkins said. “The sacrifice of 9/11 continues today, and it’s up to us to honor that by the way we live, serve, and care for one another.”
Hopkins urged those present to carry forward the memory of Sept. 11 through action, not only reflection.
“We can’t change what happened, but we can decide what we do with the memory of it,” he said. “The best way to honor the fallen is to live with that same spirit of service and compassion in our own community.”
Following his remarks, the U.S. flag was lowered to half-staff as the crowd stood in silence.
Amarillo Fire Capt. Jose Ramos then addressed the gathering before leading the bell ceremony.
“Twenty-four years ago, in the face of unimaginable destruction, thousands of lives were taken,” Ramos said. “Yet in those same moments, heroes emerged. Courage overcame fear, duty overcame comfort, and sacrifice overcame survival. Standing together in moments like this keeps the promise alive that we will never forget. Those who gave everything on that day — they will not be forgotten.”
Ramos then conducted the tolling of the ceremonial bell, known in the fire service as the “striking of the four fives.” The tradition, once transmitted over fire alarm telegraphs with five measured strikes repeated four times (5-5-5-5), is now sounded with five strikes repeated three times to mark a firefighter’s last alarm — a solemn declaration of duty fulfilled and sacrifice honored.
A rifle volley rang out across the memorial grounds, followed by a benediction from Amarillo Police Officer Asher Day, who prayed for strength, unity and remembrance.
The service moved toward its close as the Amarillo Fire Department Pipes and Drums performed “Amazing Grace,” a hymn rooted in the fire service mourning traditions of Scottish and Irish immigrants and now a national symbol of respect for the fallen. The combined honor guards marched in unison past the memorial and outward, their deliberate steps and the wail of the pipes punctuating the ceremony’s final moments.
Local voices of remembrance
For Amarillo Fire Chief Jason Mays, the ceremony is both a personal reflection and a reminder of responsibility. On Sept. 11, 2001, he was a rookie firefighter assigned to Central Fire Station downtown.
“It’s a reminder that most of the time we do have some level of control in how we manage risk,” Mays said. “That day taught me — especially now as fire chief responsible for 311 personnel — you can do everything right and still end up paying the ultimate price trying to serve your community.”
Mays said the lessons of 9/11 have become part of how departments train and prepare, but he emphasized that no amount of readiness can fully eliminate risk.
“You can’t account for everything that could or will go wrong on a scene,” he said. “But you can prepare, and with that preparation comes awareness — keeping your head on a swivel everywhere you go. That’s how you minimize complacency that can creep into day-to-day operations.”
He also reminded the audience that the cost of 9/11 continues today.
“This is a sacrifice that’s still being made,” Mays said. “It didn’t end on Sept. 11, 2001. We still have people passing away every day from the aftereffects of what they were exposed to at Ground Zero. They rushed in to take care of others, and years later, they’re still paying that price.”
Mays stressed that part of honoring that sacrifice is making sure future generations understand it.
“If we don’t tell the story, it will fade,” Mays said. “We honor the fallen not only by remembering their sacrifice, but by teaching the next generation what it means to stand up, serve others, and never forget.”
Amarillo Police Sgt. Thomas Higgins, who commands the department’s honor guard, said he was moved by the turnout of community members.
“It’s always wonderful to see the support we have here in Amarillo,” Higgins said. “We’re very fortunate to live in a community where people still show up for these ceremonies, even 24 years later. It reminds us why we put on the uniform every day.”
He said 9/11 ceremonies also serve to bring agencies closer together.
“Here in Amarillo, we have excellent cooperation between the fire department, police, DPS, EMS and others,” Higgins said. “Events like this highlight that camaraderie, because that’s exactly what was needed on that day in 2001. Everyone had to work together, and that’s still the lesson today.”
Closing with honor
As the pipes and drums played their final notes and the honor guards stepped away from the memorial, the crowd stood in silence. Heads bowed, hands folded, many whispered prayers for the victims, the survivors, and the responders who have carried the burden forward.
For the people of Amarillo, the ceremony was not just about looking back, but also about reaffirming the promise spoken across the country 24 years ago: We will never forget.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo 9/11 remembrance ceremony honors sacrifice and those who rushed into danger
Reporting by Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
