25 Years Later: Camp Parks Honors 9/11 Fallen with Solemn Ceremony, Steps of Honor

CAMP PARKS, Calif. — Under clear skies, service members, civilian staff, emergency responders, and military families gathered at the Camp Parks Fire Station on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States. The quarter-century milestone ceremony at Parks Reserve Forces Training Area (PRFTA) served as a profound reminder of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring oath to never forget. The ceremony opened in reverence outside the bays of the Camp Parks Fire Station. Designated fire and police personnel tolled the memorial bell and began the reading of the 403 names of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) firefighters and law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in New York. Following the tribute to first responders, the ceremony transitioned to honor those lost at the Pentagon. Designated military leaders, civilians, and Command Group representatives then read the names of the 184 personnel, passengers, and crew members killed when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon and crashed. The roll call concluded in absolute silence across the garrison grounds before the solemn, single-bugle notes of Taps resonated through the station pavilion. Representing the personnel standing the watch at the fire station, Camp Parks Firefighter Wilson B. Humphries spoke to the legacy carried by military and civilian emergency crews on the installation. “Standing here at the firehouse today, reading those names is always a heavy burden, but it is one we are incredibly proud to bear,” said Humphries. “Twenty-five years might seem like a long time to some, but for us, the promise to 'Never Forget' is something we live out during every shift. We train, we prepare, and we respond with the exact same dedication shown by those 343 brothers who ran up those towers.” Addressing the formation and attendees, Camp Parks Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Tony Ibrahim delivered keynote remarks centering on the generational legacy forged in the aftermath of 2001. “Twenty-five years ago today, our nation faced an unprecedented test of its spirit, its unity, and its resolve,” said Ibrahim. “A quarter of a century later, an entire generation of Soldiers has grown up, enlisted, and served in the shadow of that fateful morning. We gather at this firehouse not only to look back in sorrow, but to reaffirm a solemn promise: we will never forget the 2,977 innocent lives stolen, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the service members who gave everything to defend our nation's freedom.” Ibrahim emphasized that the legacy of Sept. 11 is etched into every uniform and training mission conducted across the installation. “Camp Parks exists to train, prepare, and project ready forces capable of answering our nation's call,” Ibrahim added. “Every time our Soldiers lacing up their boots here, they carry the memory of those we lost into every mission. Remembering is an active duty, not a passive thought. It demands our readiness, our vigilance, and our shared dedication to one another.” Maj. Gen. Windsor Shane Buzza, Commanding General of the 63rd Readiness Division and senior commander for the installation, attended the service and reflected deeply on the broader meaning of the day. "We have to extend our sincere thanks to our team, especially Miss Nava, for coordinating what is a highly appropriate and necessary memorial service to honor all of those who gave their lives on that tragic day," said Buzza. "As we look back, we must reflect on not just who perished, but why they did. Some were innocent victims on flights, at the Pentagon, or in the Twin Towers. Others stepped up in direct response, willingly giving their lives to protect and save their fellow countrymen." Buzza emphasized that the anniversary also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing defense of American liberty. "We must also remember the 'why' behind the attacks," Buzza continued. "It was—and remains—a war of ideas. That war of ideas is still ongoing, and it is not going to stop. But as long as we have Patriots who believe in the American way of life, the defense of our country, and the ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, we will continue to stand firm. There is a radical faction that wishes to destroy our way of life, but we will continue to fight and defend it. The worst places in America will always and forever be better than the best places governed by radical extremism." Immediately following the commemorative ceremony, attendees participated in the installation's inaugural “Steps of Honor” memorial walk. Participants, including garrison leadership, Soldiers, civilian workers, and family members, walked a dedicated course of 2,977 steps—one stride for each victim lost in New York, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

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