Communities across eastern Idaho gathered Thursday to observe the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, with localnews8.com reporting a full day of events honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed, along with the first responders and military members who served that day.
Idaho Falls
The Idaho Falls Police Department teamed up with Anheuser-Busch for the fourth consecutive year to host the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Idaho Falls Malting Facility. First responders climbed a staircase designed to replicate the 110-floor ascent of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, with access available around the clock through September 11 — exclusively for first responders. Residents who wanted to contribute could direct donations to any of five local charities supporting first responders. A separate public memorial ceremony took place at Town Square beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Rexburg
Rexburg’s observance started early, with a flag raising and bell tolling at Station One at 7 a.m. The evening brought a Patriot Day memorial ceremony at Porter Park, led by the Rexburg Pipe Brigade at 6 p.m. The occasion carried added weight: the brigade announced it is disbanding after 17 years of community service, making Thursday’s performance its last.
Bannock County
The annual 9/11 Patriot Day Commemoration convened at 5:30 p.m. on the steps of the Bannock County Courthouse. Sixth District Judge Rick Carnaroli walked attendees through a timeline of the September 11 attacks. Veterans groups then hosted a community dinner at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building.
Bonneville County
The America-250 Idaho Freedom Festival opened at the Bonneville County Fairgrounds with family activities beginning at 5 p.m. and doors opening at 5:30 p.m. for the main program, which started at 6 p.m. The evening included the Idaho Liberty Bell, a veterans tribute, a flag ceremony, history trivia, and live music from Jay Osmond and Eagle Rock Pipes and Drums. Organizers promoted the America-250 Act of Service Challenge throughout the event.
Jackson Hill Climb
In Jackson, the annual Snow King Hill Climb drew participants starting at 4 p.m. The route covers 1,500 feet of elevation, representing the equivalent of the Twin Towers’ 110 stories. Each climber carried an Idaho badge bearing the name of a first responder who served on September 11, 2001. At the base of Snow King, a community barbecue offered free water and T-shirts, and attendees could listen to actual NYFD radio transmissions recorded during the attacks.
- 25 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks
- Nearly 3,000 lives lost and honored across Thursday’s events
- 110 floors recreated in both the Idaho Falls stair climb and the Snow King ascent
- 17 years of service completed by the Rexburg Pipe Brigade before retirement
- 5 local charities receiving donations at the Idaho Falls stair climb
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