Twenty-five years ago, Healdsburg reacted with shock, alarm, patriotism and sorrow at the news that the nation had been attacked. Video images of the destruction of the World Trade Center towers dominated the national consciousness and were felt deeply locally.
An impromptu gathering took place in the Plaza three days later, on Friday, Sept. 14, 2001. People came to sing, pray, light candles and take comfort in community.
Over the next few years, Healdsburg Fire Engineer Ben Gilliam reflected on the horrific loss, especially the 343 firefighters who died, the largest loss of emergency responders’ lives in U.S. history.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey salvaged massive steel beams from the tragedy, and gifted them to thousands of cities, counties and local firehouses, in return for a promise to display them publicly. Gilliam obtained a small piece of I-beam and inspired volunteers to create a modest monument in the Healdsburg Plaza.
Guided by an architect, Healdsburg High School students designed a monument, and local contractors volunteered time and materials to build it, after the City of Healdsburg approved the design and location. In 2012, the monument was dedicated.
This Friday, September 11, 2026, the monument will be the site of a remembrance of the events a quarter-century ago. Current and retired first responders and community volunteers will read the names of fire, police and emergency personnel who died that day. A variety of fire apparatus will be parked nearby, and a fire truck will raise its ladder with a U.S. flag attached.
The remembrance begins at 6 pm. All are welcome Friday night, to join or take part in the commemoration.
