Oro Valley ceremony remembers 25 years since Sept. 11 attacks | Tucson Remembers

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (KVOA) — More than 200 people came together at Naranja Park to mark 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The remembrance ceremony took place at the Arizona Heroes Memorial in Oro Valley, a place inspired in part by the tragedy a quarter century ago. 

The occasion brought together community members of all ages, including some who were not yet born in 2001 and others who vividly recall the pain and fear from that day. 

Steve Horbarenko, who helped build the World Trade Centers as an apprentice in the 1970s, attended the event and recalled his experience of watching the towers fall from here in Arizona.

“Came to work and watching it all and I never thought that building would go down,” Horbarenko said. “Then I started thinking about all the people . . . that, really, really affected you.”

Vickie Shoopman, the vice president and director of the Arizona Heroes Memorial’s Board of Directors, described her immediate reaction to the attacks.

“Immediately tears of sorrow and sadness and horrific shock,” Shoopman told News 4 Tucson.

The sunset ceremony featured the ringing of bells, prayers, and a performance of Taps to honor those who died. While younger attendees did not experience the day firsthand, they spoke about how the event permanently altered the nation.

“This event changed America completely,” John Murphy, a local high schooler, said. “For the couple days after the event, America was united.” 

They also spoke of remembering those who died. 

 

“It’s really about shedding light and honoring those that sacrificed their lives, and not only the fact they sacrificed it, but the fact that they’re the American spirit,” Alexa Walters, another high schooler in attendance, said. 

The day that brought us “Never Forget” is again fresh on the minds of so many, years later. 

“Don’t forget, don’t ever forget what happened,” Horbarenko said. :It could happen again, any day, and we got to stay strong as a nation.”  

Organizers with the memorial said that the ceremony was not a one-time event for the 25th anniversary. They plan to hold the remembrance ceremony in Oro Valley every year, helping the community never forget.