Portage Honors 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with Reflections on Unity

As the community of Portage gathered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Mayor Austin Bonta and Assistant Police Chief Ted Uzelac emphasized the importance of remembering both the tragedy and the unity that followed.

Bonta encouraged the attendees to not only remember September 11 but also the spirit of September 12, stating, “Sept. 12 is also what happened that day.” He recalled a conversation with a high school student about the unity felt after a storm in August, likened to the sense of community post-9/11.

Bonta said, “The nation joined together not only to mourn but also to offer help to the victims and to each other.”

Uzelac reminded attendees that the day revealed significant aspects of the American character, including selfless service and unity. He urged that these lessons be shared with younger generations.

“Sept. 11 revealed something powerful about the American character,” Uzelac stated, highlighting the selfless acts of service during the tragedy.

During the ceremony, the Portage High School JROTC honor guard presented colors as participants recalled the bravery shown on that fateful day. “These were men and women who answered the call and showed what service looks like,” Uzelac noted.

Unity manifested in various forms—flags on porches, lines at blood banks, candlelight vigils—underscoring a collective resolve beyond political divides.

“Unity is not the absence of disagreement, but the decision to treat one another as fellow Americans,” Uzelac stated.

Myers Elementary School Principal Jon Evers involved students in planting pinwheels symbolizing peace and unity. He shared personal memories of where he was during the attacks, illustrating the lasting impact of 9/11.

Firefighters and police shared their reflections as well, underscoring the sense of urgency and perspective brought by the attacks. Concerns over gas prices and emergency plans marked the days following, as residents wrestled with the gravity of the events.

These reflections by city officials and community leaders serve as a reminder of the need for ongoing unity and resilience in facing challenges.