Mountain Home residents gathered Monday afternoon at Veterans Plaza, across from the downtown square, to honor the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The solemn event paid tribute to the victims, first responders, and lasting impacts of that tragic day.
Among the speakers was Arkansas State Representative Stetson Painter, along with retired New York City firefighter John Ceriello. Ceriello, a former member of FDNY Rescue Company 1, shared personal memories of the attacks. He recalled that he was off duty when the first plane struck the World Trade Center. Upon hearing the news, he immediately headed toward Manhattan, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge as the attack unfolded.
The ceremony took place near Mountain Home’s 9/11 memorial, which was completed in 2022. The memorial includes a piece of steel from the World Trade Center and commemorates not only the attacks in New York City but also those at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93.
Mountain Home firefighter Tommy Feliccia emphasized the importance of remembering the events of 9/11, even from a distance. “We might be hundreds of miles away from New York City, but I want us to remember here,” Feliccia told KYTV News.
While the anniversary itself falls on Friday, Veterans Plaza remains open to the public for reflection and remembrance throughout the week. The gathering served as a poignant reminder of national unity, sacrifice, and resilience.