The morning of Thursday, September 11, 2025, saw the Pahrump community gather at the Calvada Eye for a solemn ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Hosted by the Pahrump Valley Rotary Club, the remembrance brought together residents, civic leaders, and first responders for a morning of reflection, unity, and gratitude.
The program began promptly at 8:30 a.m. with the Nye County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presenting the colors. Pastor Robert Roth led the invocation, offering a heartfelt prayer that acknowledged the grief still carried by many but also emphasized the hope and strength that emerged in the days after the attacks. His words drew from Proverbs, reminding the audience that God “comes close to the brokenhearted” and offers peace to those who continue to mourn. Following the prayer, the crowd rose together for the Pledge of Allegiance, and then Greg Curtin delivered a moving rendition of the National Anthem, accompanied by signing from Marla Quercia.
At the heart of the service were four moments of silence, each marked by the ringing of a bell. The first toll came at 8:46 a.m., honoring the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Subsequent rings at 9:03, 9:37, and 10:03 remembered United Airlines Flight 175 crashing into the South Tower, American Airlines Flight 77 hitting the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93 going down in Pennsylvania after passengers fought to stop another strike. Each bell echoed through the park, giving weight to the memory of nearly 3,000 lives lost that day.
Speakers throughout the morning added their personal perspectives, weaving history with emotion. Rotarian Charles Lavole served as master of ceremonies, introducing each guest. Rotary President Barbara Thompson and Past President Roy Mankins highlighted the importance of the community’s continued commitment to remembrance. Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill spoke about the bravery of first responders who ran toward danger and urged the public to reject hatred in all its forms. Chief Scott Lewis of the Pahrump Valley Fire Department called forward deputies, firefighters, paramedics, and search and rescue volunteers to be recognized. Each introduced themselves, underscoring the dedication of those who protect the valley every day. Chief Lewis presented commemorative coins from 2001 to the assembled emergency responders, honoring their service and connecting them to the legacy of those who sacrificed on 9/11.
State Assemblyman Greg Hafen II reflected on the significance of the day, noting that while life on that Tuesday morning in 2001 began ordinarily, it changed forever within hours. He reminded attendees that the hijackers had spent time in Nevada before carrying out their plan, making the tragedy feel closer to home. He praised the resilience and unity that followed and urged Nevadans to continue standing together. Nye County Commissioner Ian Bayne recalled his own memory of the morning in Boston, when his personal political ambitions suddenly seemed trivial in the face of national tragedy. He spoke passionately about the sacrifices of local first responders and dispatchers, emphasizing their role as “more valuable than gold.” Former Commissioner Frank Carbone shared a chilling account of being at the Pentagon the day before the attack and his gratitude for being spared by timing. His words highlighted the fragility of life and the importance of never forgetting the sacrifices of that day.
The ceremony also included deeply personal testimonies. Mikey Roohan of KPVM-TV performed a song dedicated to his sister, Moira, a police officer who died on 9/11 and for whom a Hudson River ferry was later named. His heartfelt tribute on a twelve-string guitar brought emotion to the crowd. Pahrump resident and New York native Reva Braun recalled her students who lost parents that day, sharing how children expressed regret over final words with loved ones. She urged that future generations must continue to learn about 9/11 so the sacrifices are never erased from memory. Sharon Sadler offered her firsthand account of living seven blocks from the World Trade Center, recalling the chaos, the moments of frozen fear, and how she and her family turned to service—feeding officers and helping strangers in need. Her story emphasized the spirit of 9/12, a day when neighbors turned to each other with compassion and unity.
The ceremony also welcomed stories from those who experienced the attacks while overseas. Local leader Dr. Tom Waters, then in Germany, remembered realizing instantly that the strikes were no accident. A U.S. Marine veteran recounted hearing the news in Okinawa and preparing his unit for deployment amid uncertainty. These perspectives offered a reminder that the impact of 9/11 reached every corner of the globe, touching Americans no matter where they were.
As the morning drew to a close, Pastor Roth returned to lead a final prayer, calling for continued healing, peace, and unity in the community and the nation. The ceremony ended not in silence, but in shared resolve, as attendees were encouraged to honor the memory of 9/11 by carrying forward the kindness, strength, and resilience that defined America in the days that followed.
From the tolling of the bells to the personal testimonies of loss, survival, and service, the 2025 Pahrump 9/11 Memorial Ceremony was a powerful reminder that even 24 years later, the tragedy is not forgotten. Instead, it serves as a beacon for unity and an opportunity for the community to stand together, honoring the past while committing to a more compassionate future.
