ArkLaTex prepares to honor 9/11 with series of local memorial events
SHREVEPORT, La. — Communities across the ArkLaTex are preparing to gather and pay tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Local organizations, city officials, and emergency response teams throughout Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas have scheduled a series of ceremonies, stair climbs, and memorial walks designed to reflect on the lives lost and honor the sacrifices made by first responders.While many observances are set to take place on Friday, several local events are scheduled earlier in the week to give residents multiple opportunities to participate in remembrance activities. Organizers emphasize that these public gatherings serve as a vital tradition for uniting neighboring towns across state lines.
SHREVEPORT, La. — Communities across the ArkLaTex are preparing to gather and pay tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Local organizations, city officials, and emergency response teams throughout Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas have scheduled a series of ceremonies, stair climbs, and memorial walks designed to reflect on the lives lost and honor the sacrifices made by first responders.
While many observances are set to take place on Friday, several local events are scheduled earlier in the week to give residents multiple opportunities to participate in remembrance activities. Organizers emphasize that these public gatherings serve as a vital tradition for uniting neighboring towns across state lines.
Here is a list of upcoming 9/11 tribute events across the region, organized by date and location:
THURSDAY
- Louisiana
- YMCA 9/11 Stair Climb registration & pre-setup
- BHP Billiton YMCA & Lash Family YMCA, Shreveport
- Registration and stairmaster slot reservations open for Friday's 110-flight challenge.
- Texas
- TexRep "Come From Away" final preview night
- Stilwell Theatre at Texarkana College, Texarkana
- Final dress preview for TexRep's production of "Come From Away," the musical telling the story of grounded airline passengers in Gander, Newfoundland.
FRIDAY
- Louisiana
- Keep Bossier Beautiful / City of Bossier City 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony (9 a.m.)
- Liberty Garden at Bossier City Municipal Complex (facing Beckett Street), 620 Benton Road, Bossier City
- Bossier Schools students participate in the ceremony hosted by Keep Bossier Beautiful and the City of Bossier City. Airline High School JROTC presents the colors, and students lead the Pledge, National Anthem, and read original essays.
- Parkway High School JROTC Remembers (9 a.m.)
- Flagpole at Parkway High School, 2010 Colleen Drive, Bossier City
- Parkway High School JROTC hosts a ceremony themed "Honoring the Fallen. Remembering the Heroes. Never Forgetting." Community guests are welcome; visitors are asked to park in the south parking lot behind the main gym.
- Unveiling of 9/11 Artifact (10:30 a.m.)
- Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home, 3130 Arthur Ray Teague Parkway, Bossier City
- A section of steel recovered from the World Trade Center's South Tower will be unveiled during a dedicated ceremony. Bossier High School JROTC cadets present the colors.
- YMCA of Northwest Louisiana Annual 9/11 Stair Climb (5 a.m.)
- BHP Billiton YMCA and Lash Family YMCA, Shreveport
- YMCA of Northwest Louisiana Annual 9/11 Stair Climb (5 a.m.)
- Participants climb 110 flights (1,900 steps) on lobby StairMasters. Weighted firefighter gear is available to wear, and proceeds benefit local first responders.
- Shreveport-Bossier First Responders Joint Remembrance Ceremony
- Shreveport/Bossier area police and fire stations, Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office
- Shreveport-Bossier First Responders Joint Remembrance Ceremony
- Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, Shreveport Fire Department, and regional first responders coordinate joint ceremonies honoring the 2,983 lives lost during the 2001 attacks.
- Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs State Observances
- Regional veterans centers statewide
- Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs State Observances
- Official state Patriot Day observances and moment-of-silence ceremonies.
- Texas
- Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk / Stair Challenge
- Texarkana
- Part of the nationwide series supporting military and first responder families while honoring New York City firefighter Stephen Siller and all 9/11 victims.
- TexRep "Come From Away" Opening Night (7:30 p.m.)
- Stilwell Theatre at Texarkana College, Texarkana
- TexRep "Come From Away" Opening Night (7:30 p.m.)
- TexRep opens its season with the musical centered around grounded 9/11 airline passengers in Gander, Newfoundland.
- 9 – 10 a.m. (public event at Dodson Auditorium):
- Michael Hingson presents "How to Survive Life Emergencies and Unexpected Situations," sharing his firsthand account of escaping the World Trade Center with his guide dog Roselle. Free to the public with seat reservation.
- 10:20 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Book signing at Watson Library ("Thunder Dog" available for purchase).
- 9 – 10 a.m. (public event at Dodson Auditorium):
SATURDAY
- Texas
- ArkLaTex 9/11 Memorial Walk (7:46 a.m.)
- 207 W. Main Street, Henderson
- A free community walk steps off in the morning. Registered participants receive a 2026 commemorative challenge coin.