09/11/2026
Today was a meaningful day at the NC Emergency Training Center as we gathered to remember September 11, 2001, honor those we lost, and dedicate a piece of World Trade Center steel as a permanent memorial at the ETC.
Twenty-five years later, the stories of September 11 still carry incredible weight. Today, we remembered the 2,977 people who lost their lives, the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, the survivors, and the families whose lives were forever changed.
We were especially honored to hear from 9/11 survivor Mark Giannini, who shared his personal story and reminded us of the human side of that day. Thank you, Mark, for having the courage to share your experience with us.
The dedication of the World Trade Center beam to the Emergency Training Center was especially meaningful. This is a place where firefighters and emergency responders train for the moments when preparation matters most. Every day, they learn, practice and prepare to answer the call—just as so many first responders did on September 11.
A special thank you to North Lenoir Fire & Rescue for preserving and donating this piece of World Trade Center steel and helping ensure its history will continue to be remembered by generations of responders.
Thank you to everyone who helped make today's ceremony so special, including our Honor Guard, speakers, performers, partners and everyone who joined us in remembering.
And thank you to Barnhill for providing today's refreshments and supporting this important day of remembrance.
Today reminded us that while we can never change what happened, we can choose to remember, to honor and to prepare.