09/09/2026
25th Anniversary Ceremony for 9/11 at Vermont Veterans Home
The Vermont Veterans Home (VVH), in partnership with the Town of Bennington, local first responder agencies, veterans’ organizations, and community partners including local schools, will host a public ceremony on Friday, September 11, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
This solemn commemoration will honor the lives lost, the sacrifices made by first responders, and the enduring commitment of our community to remembrance. The event will feature musical performances, guest speakers, color guards representing multiple law enforcement agencies, veterans organizations, a wreath‑laying tribute, and participation from local fire departments and the Vermont Army National Guard.
The ceremony will take place on the grounds in front of the Vermont Veterans’ Home by the Memorial Wall. It is recommended to enter via the Park Street entrance for ease of parking.
The public is suggested to arrive beginning at 8:00 a.m and are encouraged to bring their own chairs or be prepared to stand. The event is rain or shine, so umbrellas are encouraged if the forecast shows signs of rain.
The event will begin at 8:25 a.m. with the landing of a Vermont Army National Guard helicopter on the Vermont Veterans Home (VVH) lawn. At 8:30 a.m., the MAUHS band/choir will open the ceremony with the National Anthem, followed by additional selections throughout the rest of the program including God Bless America, America the Beautiful, and American Tears, a post‑9/11 tribute to those who serve. Audience participation will be welcomed for the familiar pieces, with lyrics provided in the event program.
Two moments of silence will be observed marking the times the Twin Towers were struck. These moments will frame the ceremony’s keynote reflections. Chief Doucette will lead a segment honoring first responders, joined by additional voices as scheduling allows. Patti Cody will offer remarks on behalf of families affected by 9/11; her late husband, a firefighter who volunteered at Ground Zero, passed away from 9/11‑related injuries.
After the speakers, color guards from the Bennington County Sheriff’s Department, Bennington Police Department, Vermont State Police, local Fire Departments, and other participating organizations will join in a multi‑agency wreath‑laying ceremony. The MAUHS band will perform Taps, followed by a 21‑gun salute by the VFW, and a benediction by Aaron Leebert.
The ceremony is expected to conclude at approximately 9:35 a.m. with a retiring of the colors. After the ceremony, a reception will be held at the Elks Lodge at 125 Washington Avenue at 10:00 am to which all are invited. Refreshments will be provided, compliments of Walmart.
CAT TV will provide live coverage and recording of the event. A limited‑edition Bennington 9/11 challenge coin has been produced for participating agencies and is available for purchase at the Bennington Police Department. This commemoration is the result of ongoing collaboration among VVH leadership, local fire and rescue departments, law enforcement agencies, veterans’ groups, school partners, community volunteers, and the Town of Bennington.
Special thanks to L&G fabricators and the Town Buildings and Grounds crew for helping with a bracket and stand for the 9/11 artifact from the Twin Towers.
The Town of Bennington invites all residents, families, veterans, first responders, and students to join in this meaningful observance. Parking is available around the Veterans Home and there will be signage directing you where to go. Please consider entering via Park Street for parking to avoid congestion at the front entrance.
For more information, please contact: Town of Bennington Communications Office at 445-1335 or email [email protected]
