PROVIDED

The Military Heritage Museum will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with a special day of remembrance on Friday, September 11, 2026, bringing together veterans, first responders, community leaders and the public to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost and reflect on a day that forever changed America.

The Museum’s 9/11 25th Commemoration Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and will include participation from the Punta Gorda Fire Department, Punta Gorda Police Department, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Military Heritage Museum leadership, veterans and community representatives.

Barbara Wastart of the Military Heritage Museum Board of Directors will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors by the Punta Gorda Fire Department and Punta Gorda Police Department, the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, invocation and a welcome from Military Heritage Museum Executive Director Isaac James.

Among the most personal moments of the ceremony will be a remembrance shared by Marion Kminek, mother of Mari-Rae Sopper, who was killed aboard American Airlines Flight 77 when it was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

Sopper was 35 years old and a former lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. An accomplished gymnast and attorney, she was traveling from Washington, D.C., to California that morning to begin a new chapter of her life as the women’s gymnastics coach at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Twenty-five years later, Kminek will share her daughter’s story as part of the Museum’s commemoration, giving those in attendance a deeply personal connection to one of the lives lost that day.

Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell will also address those gathered for the commemoration. Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith and Punta Gorda Fire Department Chief Holden Gibbs will participate in the ceremony alongside Museum and community representatives.

Throughout the program, moments of silence will recognize the four pivotal moments of the September 11 attacks: United Airlines Flight 11 striking the North Tower at 8:46 a.m.; United Airlines Flight 175 striking the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.; American Airlines Flight 77 striking the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m.; and United Airlines Flight 93 crashing in Pennsylvania at 10:03 a.m.

A special Bell Ceremony will honor the first responders and Americans remembered from September 11, including 23 New York City police officers, 37 Port Authority police officers, 343 FDNY firefighters and the nearly 3,000 Americans whose lives were lost. The ceremony will conclude with a benediction and the playing of Taps by U.S. Army Veteran Todd Helt.

“Twenty-five years later, September 11 remains a defining moment in our nation’s history,” said Isaac James, Executive Director of the Military Heritage Museum. “This commemoration gives our community an opportunity to come together to remember those we lost, honor the first responders and everyday Americans who demonstrated extraordinary courage, and help ensure the significance of that day is understood by generations who did not experience it firsthand.”

The day of remembrance will continue following the ceremony with opportunities for visitors to learn more about the events of September 11 and the lives forever affected by them.

At 1:00 p.m., the Museum will present the documentary “9/11: One Day in America” in the Gulf Theater. The documentary recounts the unforgettable events of September 11, 2001, sharing the experiences of those who witnessed and responded to the attacks.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to experience “A Remembrance of 9/11,” a special exhibit presented in the Museum’s atrium. Featuring artifacts, newspapers and video, the exhibit offers reminders of how the world changed in an instant at 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001.

The September 11 commemoration reflects the Military Heritage Museum’s mission to preserve and share the stories of service and sacrifice while helping new generations understand the people and events that have shaped our nation.

Twenty-five years after September 11, an entire generation has grown up without firsthand memories of that morning. Through personal stories, historical artifacts, documentary footage and community remembrance, the Military Heritage Museum seeks to ensure the lives lost, the courage displayed and the lessons of September 11 continue to be remembered.

The public is invited to join the Military Heritage Museum and community first responders on September 11 to remember the lives lost, honor those who answered the call and ensure that, 25 years later, we never forget.

No tickets or reservations are required, and the ceremony is free and open to the public. The Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests wishing to tour the Museum should check in at the Welcome Center to receive a wristband. First Responders receive complimentary Museum admission.

9/11 25th Commemoration

Friday, Sept. 11

Ceremony: 11 a.m.

Documentary — “9/11: One Day in America”: 1 p.m., Gulf Theater

Special Exhibit — “A Remembrance of 9/11”: Museum Atrium

Free and open to the public

Military Heritage Museum

900 W. Marion Avenue

Punta Gorda, Florida

MilitaryHeritageMuseum.org

About the Military Heritage Museum

The Military Heritage Museum, located in Punta Gorda, Florida, is dedicated to honoring veterans, preserving military history, and educating future generations through immersive exhibits, authentic artifacts, interactive experiences, educational programming, and community events. The Museum chronicles American military history from the nation’s founding through modern conflicts while inspiring visitors with the stories of the men and women who served.

The Museum is also home to the Gulf Theater, a premier venue featuring documentaries, guest speakers, concerts, live performances, and other special events throughout the year. To learn more about the Museum and view upcoming exhibits and events, visit www.militaryheritagemuseum.org.