Clinton marks 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with memorial planting, first-responder tributes

Clinton residents gathered at the Milk Creek Parkway and Main Avenue memorial site on Sept. 11, 2026, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks with a ceremony of prayers, music and first-responder reflections. Emcee Andy Sokolovich, president of Grow Clinton, opened the program and asked attendees to honor the day’s memory and ‘‘commit ourselves to unity, vigilance, patriotism, and service.’'

Mayor Scott Madison offered a city welcome, thanked veterans and first responders, and urged the crowd to remember the victims and the resilience that followed. ‘‘May we never forget those we lost,’’ Madison said in his remarks. The program included a history of the site from Clinton Trees Forever, musical performances by the Clinton High School choir, a ‘‘last alarm’’ bell observance led by the fire department, a 21-gun salute from AMVETS Post 28 and a closing prayer.

The memorial site — a one-acre planting that originally included 23 ‘‘freedom trees’’ and a permanent plaque — was the setting for a new tree planting during the ceremony. First responders from the sheriff’s office, fire department and police department gave speeches reflecting on 9/11’s past, present and future effects on public safety and community preparedness. The event concluded with a procession and a performance by the River City Municipal Band.