FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2026
From: Pat Mason-Guillory, Project Director
St. Landry Parish Veterans Memorial
E-mail: pmgveterans@slpgov.net
337.351.6063
25 YEARS LATER — WE REMEMBER, WE HONOR,
WE WILL NEVER FORGET
St. Landry Parish Veterans Memorial Committee to Host 25th Anniversary
Commemoration of September 11, 2001
OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA — Twenty-five years have passed since September 11, 2001, a
day that forever changed America. Yet the memories of that day remain deeply etched in our
hearts. The St. Landry Parish Veterans Memorial Committee in conjunction with St. Landry
Parish Government will host a solemn 25th Anniversary Commemoration of the Attacks on
America on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the St. Landry Parish Courthouse
in Opelousas, Louisiana.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is:
“NEVER FORGET”
On September 11, 2001, 2,977 innocent lives were lost. Families were forever changed.
Thousands of survivors carried physical and emotional scars. And brave first responders ran
toward danger while others were running away. Four hundred forty-one first responders
ultimately lost their lives in connection with the attacks and their aftermath.
Twenty-five years later, we pause to remember every life lost, every family affected, every
survivor, and every first responder who answered the call.
The commemoration will include guest speakers, reflections, patriotic tributes, and special
recognition honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who demonstrated
extraordinary courage and compassion in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
“September 11, 2001, is a day we must never allow history to forget. Twenty-five years
later, the pain of that day may have softened for some, but the significance of those lives
lost and those sacrifices made must remain strong in our hearts. We gather not only to
remember the 2,977 innocent people who never returned home, but also to honor the first
responders, survivors, families, military members, and ordinary Americans who showed
extraordinary courage. As we say ‘Never Forget,’ we are making a promise—to remember
their names, honor their sacrifices, and teach future generations why we must always stand
together as Americans.”
The St. Landry Parish Veterans Memorial Committee invites veterans, first responders, elected
officials, civic organizations, churches, schools, families, and citizens throughout St. Landry
Parish and surrounding communities to join us for this meaningful observance.
We encourages the community to join us as we stand together in remembrance, unity, and
gratitude.
This 25th anniversary is more than a commemoration. It is a reminder of a nation brought
together by tragedy, of heroes who answered the call, and of the strength and resilience of the
American people. Please show your red, white and blue!
We remember the lives. We honor the heroes.
We support the survivors and families. We reflect on the sacrifice.
We will never forget.
Pat Mason-Guillory
