By NIHAR JAIN

For the Bulletin

This September marks 25 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001, a day that changed the United States and the lives of millions of Americans.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed that morning in New York City, at the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.

Thousands more first responders, service members, families, and communities would continue to feel the effects of that day for years afterward.

For many Americans, September 11 is still a personal memory. They remember where they were when they heard the news, who they were with, and what it felt like to watch the events unfold.

For my generation, however, 9/11 is something we have always learned about through history books, memorials, videos, and the stories of those who lived through it. That is part of what makes the 25th anniversary so important.

As more time passes, remembrance becomes less about simply recalling where we were and more about making sure future generations understand what happened, who was lost, and how Americans responded.

September 11 is remembered as a day of tragedy, and for extraordinary acts of service. Firefighters and police officers entered the World Trade Center as thousands of others were evacuating. Passengers aboard Flight 93 fought back against the hijackers. In the days and years that followed, Americans volunteered, donated, supported one another, and thousands chose to serve in the military.

Those acts of service are part of the legacy of September 11, and they are also a reminder that remembering our history requires more than recognizing an anniversary once a year.

It requires us to continue telling these stories, the same idea at the heart of Wreaths Across America and its mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach. This December, Manteca will once again join communities across the country in remembering the men and women who served our nation.

On Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, at noon, the second annual Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place at East Union Cemetery in Manteca.

Following the ceremony, volunteers will place balsam fir remembrance wreaths on the graves of veterans and say each veteran's name aloud.

Last year marked the first Wreaths Across America ceremony at East Union Cemetery, bringing together veterans, families, youth organizations, community leaders, and volunteers to honor the hundreds of veterans laid to rest there.

This year, the goal is to sponsor 506 wreaths and continue growing that tradition of remembrance in Manteca.

For younger generations especially, traditions like this help turn history into something personal. They give us an opportunity to learn about service, sacrifice, and to participate in preserving those stories for the future.

Twenty-five years after September 11, our responsibility is to make sure remembrance continues.

This September, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the service members whose lives were shaped by everything that followed.

And this December, here in Manteca, our community will once again have the opportunity to remember those who served our nation by placing a wreath, speaking a name, and making sure their service is not forgotten.

Sponsor a wreath for $17 at https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/CAEAUC.

All funds go towards wreaths for East Union Cemetery.