As the nation prepares to pause and remember the harrowing events that unfolded 24 years ago, the City of New Braunfels stands ready to honor the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001. This Thursday, the community will come together in a solemn ceremony at Main Plaza, starting bright and early at 7:25am, before the city wakes to its usual rhythm of life and commerce.
The ceremony is a local anchor in the chain of nationwide remembrances, it involves a procession by the Honor Guard from the New Braunfels Fire Department and Police Department moving with measured steps from the Central Fire Station on Hill Avenue to the plaza, the march culminating in a reflective gathering set to commence around 7:40am. According to an announcement on the City of New Braunfels official website, attendees will witness the traditional flag raising and lowering at 7:46am, aligning with the exact moment American Airlines Flight 11 tore into the North Tower.
The ceremony will encompass multiple tributes, including an invocation and “brief remarks from local dignitaries,” as well as a poignant bell ringing echoing the sacrifice of fallen first responders and a rendition of “Amazing Grace” performed by the New Braunfels Firefighters Pipes and Drums, as mentioned on the City of New Braunfels website. All these moments serve to underscore the gravity of the day and to foster a collective reflection on the resilience and unity that emerged from one of America's darkest hours.
For those planning to join in this communal act of remembrance, be advised that traffic will be halted around the Main Plaza beginning at approximately 7:15am, allowing for the ceremonious proceedings to unfold undisturbed by the city’s usual ebb and flow, attendees are encouraged to congregate near the flagpole and bandstand where the heartfelt observance will take place, concluding with the city's life resuming its regular pace at about 8:15am as the streets reopen to the public.
