9/11 Morning of Remembrance Ceremony
2026 Recap
In 2026, we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, a solemn milestone that reminds us of the profound impact that day had on our nation and the enduring spirit that emerged in its aftermath.
Each year, the 9/11 Morning of Remembrance Ceremony brings our community together to honor the 2,977 lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including 343 FDNY Firefighters. We also recognize the South Carolina first responders and military service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service in the years since. As we reflect on a quarter-century of remembrance, we renew our commitment to preserving their stories, honoring their service, and carrying forward the values of courage, unity, and selflessness that continue to define their legacy.
2026 Speakers:
The Honorable Daniel Rickenmann – Mayor, City of Columbia
Mr. Daniel C. Hennigan – U.S. Army, Retired; Memorial Founder and Chairman
Mrs. Dawn Yamashiro – 9/11 Family and 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of SC Committee
The Honorable Henry D. McMaster – Governor, State of South Carolina
Laurie Stokes – Reader of "September 12th: We Knew Everything Would Be Alright"
Major David Kerr – United States Army, Retired
Ms. Diane Rawl – Gold Star Mother, Mother of First Lieutenant Ryan Rawl, SCARNG
Command Sergeant Major Lamont Christian – United States Army, Retired
As we commemorate this 25th anniversary, we invite the community to join us in remembering those we lost, honoring those who continue to serve, and ensuring that the lessons and legacy of September 11th endure for future generations.
The 9/11 Military Service Members & First Responders Memorial
Erected in 2011, the Columbia 9/11 & First Responders monument is a shining beacon of remembrance for our fallen First Responders from South Carolina. Located at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, the monument is comprised of two steel beams from the World Trade Center South Tower, and two granite pillars etched with the names of the 60 South Carolina First Responders killed in the line of duty since its erection.
2020 “Midland’s Wall of Remembrance” Unveiling
Columbia, S.C. - In the ninth year of the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina’s history, the foundation was able to add another memorialization of fallen first responders and military service members from the Midlands. Styled after the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance, the wall erected in August 2020 is dedicated to the fallen first responders and military service members of the midlands that have died in the line of duty since 2001. The wall, directly behind the Columbia 9/11 & First Responders monument, mounts granite plaques for each of the fallen who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina would like to thank all of its sponsors for making this tribute to our fallen heroes possible. We would also like to extend a special thanks to Ron Clamp and Memorial Design.