Panama City to Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with Memorial Ceremony |
Community members are invited to gather at the Panama City Marina on September 11 to remember the lives lost, honor first responders and service members, and reflect on the courage and unity that followed the attacks of 2001. |
Twenty-five years after the September 11 terrorist attacks changed the nation forever, the City of Panama City will bring the community together for a solemn morning of remembrance.
The 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the Panama City Marina. The public is invited to attend and join local leaders, military personnel, first responders and community members in honoring the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
The ceremony is being presented by the City of Panama City in partnership with Bay County, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Tyndall Air Force Base. Organizers say the observance will also recognize the countless families, first responders, service members and communities whose lives were forever affected by the attacks and their aftermath.
A Quarter-Century of Remembrance
September 11, 2026 marks exactly 25 years since the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia and United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.
For many Americans, the anniversary remains deeply personal. It is a day to remember those who never returned home, as well as the firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, military members and ordinary citizens who responded with extraordinary courage.
Panama City's ceremony will focus not only on the tragedy of that day, but also on the compassion, service and unity that followed.
The City described the gathering as an opportunity for the community to stand together in remembrance and gratitude while recognizing those who answered the call to serve.
Colonel Ryan Thulin to Serve as Guest Speaker
Colonel Ryan Thulin, Commander of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall Air Force Base, will serve as the ceremony's guest speaker.
Thulin assumed command of the 325th Fighter Wing during a change-of-command ceremony at Tyndall on June 23, 2026. As wing commander, he leads one of the area's most visible military organizations and plays an important role in the continuing mission and redevelopment of Tyndall Air Force Base.
His participation also reflects the close connection between Bay County's civilian community, first responders and military families.
Ceremonial Tributes Planned
Several traditional tributes will be incorporated into the Panama City ceremony.
The program is scheduled to include the presentation of the colors, the national anthem, an invocation, a moment of silence, recognition of participating agencies, tolling of the bell and a 21-gun salute, along with additional ceremonial observances.
The tolling of the bell is particularly symbolic at remembrance ceremonies involving firefighters and other emergency responders. Combined with the moment of silence and military salute, the tributes will provide opportunities for those attending to quietly remember the lives lost and sacrifices made.
Event Details
Parking and Accessibility
Those planning to attend should be aware of special traffic arrangements at the marina.
The Panama City Marina will be closed to vehicle traffic during the ceremony and will be pedestrian-only. Regular parking will be available in surrounding upland areas. Accessible parking will be available near Harrison's Kitchen & Bar.
The Panama City Police Department will also provide transportation assistance for anyone requiring additional help getting from the entrance of the marina T-Dock to the designated ceremony seating area.
Because of the anticipated parking arrangements and the significance of the ceremony, attendees may want to arrive early enough to park and make their way to the waterfront before the 8:30 a.m. start.
Livestream May Be Available
For residents who cannot attend in person, the City of Panama City is exploring options to provide a livestream through Facebook, YouTube and/or the City's website.
As of the City's latest announcement, the livestream details had not yet been finalized. The City says additional information will be released once viewing options are confirmed.
Panama City Comes Together to Remember
The 25th anniversary represents an important milestone. A generation has now grown up with September 11 as history rather than a personal memory, making ceremonies such as this one an opportunity both to remember and to help younger residents understand the significance of that day.
For those who do remember September 11, 2001, the Panama City ceremony offers a place to reflect on where they were, the people who were lost and the remarkable acts of courage that emerged during one of the nation's darkest moments.
For veterans, active-duty military members, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel and their families, it is also an opportunity for the community to publicly recognize a tradition of service that continues today.
On the morning of September 11, 2026, Panama City residents are invited to gather along the waterfront not simply to look back, but to remember the values that brought communities together afterward, courage, compassion, unity and service.
For the latest information about parking, accessibility and possible livestream coverage, visit the City's official announcement: City of Panama City – 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
You can also follow the City of Panama City Facebook page for updates:
Are you going to attend the 9/11 with Memorial Ceremony?
|
 |
Spotlight Sponsor |
FINTITAN |
| ★★★★★ |
FICA Tax Tip Credits for Restaurant Owners |
|
|
Spotlight Sponsor
TIKI TAXI Cabs & Cruisers, LLC |
Cruise Historic Downtown Panama City the fun way with Tiki Taxi!
🚲🌴 🌺 Hop aboard the Tiki Taxi and enjoy a fun, laid-back ride through the heart of Historic Downtown Panama City! Whether you’re exploring shops, heading to dinner, or catching the sunset — skip the parking and let us do the cruising.
✨ Perfect for: • Downtown exploring 🛍️ • Date nights 🌅 • Local events & festivals 🎉 • Family & friends visiting 🐚 We’ll confirm your pickup spot by text or call once you book.
Rides are friendly, local, and always filled with good vibes!📞
Contact Info Text or call 850.604.0074 if you have questions or want to customize your ride! |
📺 Panama City Spotlight YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@PanamaCitySpotlight
🎬 YouTube Playlists https://www.youtube.com/@PanamaCitySpotlight/playlists
👍 Like and Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanamaCitySpotlight
👥 Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PanamaCitySpotlight
🍴 Panhandle Fork - Like and Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PanhandleFork
🍴 Panhandle Fork - Join our Facebook Group: |
50 Comments
Join the conversation
Glad to have these reminders of courage and unity. Hope the younger generation takes this to heart.
Never thought we’d be at the 25 year mark. Glad to see traditions carry on in Panama City.
Appreciate the city remembering not just the lost but those who served in the aftermath.
Glad there's options for those who can't walk far. Makes the event welcoming for all.
Does anyone know if seating fills up fast? Wondering how early I should get there.
The tolling bell always gets to me. So powerful to hear that in person.
Thank you for the reminder to get there early. Parking fills up fast on big days.
Will Harrison’s be open before/after the ceremony? Brunch after sounds nice with friends.
Are dogs allowed at the marina for the ceremony, or is it better to leave pets at home?
Hope they update the livestream info soon. My dad can’t make it in person anymore but loves to watch.
Nice that sheriff's office and city are working together. Community spirit!
We attended the 10th anniversary with our kids. Planning to return for 25th.
The kids today can’t imagine how the world changed after 9/11. Good to have events like this.
I love Panama City comes together like this. We need unity now more than ever.
Are pets allowed at the ceremony? Would like to bring my service dog if possible.
Seems a little early in the morning for some folks. Any chance there'll be a replay online?
Was just stationed at Tyndall for training. Happy to see military families included in this.
Will Harrison's still be open for breakfast with all the parking closed?
Love the unity on days like this. Remembering all the heroes, even the ones we don’t always see.
Thank you to all active duty and veterans. We've got family at Tyndall and proud of them.
Kinda wish it wasn’t so early in the morning, but I get it. See you there.
I hope they keep the event simple and respectful. Not every ceremony needs to be huge.
Hope the weather holds out on the 11th. Would hate to miss the ceremony outdoors.
Never forget those we lost. Glad to see Bay County working with the city again.
Wish the ceremony would include something special for the families who lost loved ones.
Really appreciate accessible parking by Harrison’s Kitchen. That’s a thoughtful touch.
Seeing firefighters get recognized feels right. They’re always there, no matter what.
Hope the invocation isn’t too long this year. Last time was a bit much, but big thanks to the planners.
My son was just asking about 9/11. Happy there’s a community event to help explain why it matters.
It's important the new generation understands what that day meant. Glad they're still doing the ceremony.
Still remember where I was when the attacks happened. Feels like yesterday, not 25 years.
Appreciate the city making it accessible for everyone, especially older folks.
Will local schools be bringing students? My daughter only learned about 9/11 from books.
We went last year and it was very moving. The bell tolling brought tears to my eyes.
Hope weather cooperates for the outdoor ceremony. Marina can get pretty hot in September.
Col Thulin sounds like a great choice for speaker. Glad Tyndall is involved.
Are they going to livestream it? I can't always make it in person but I'd like to watch.
Parking is always tricky by the marina, so good to hear they're making special arrangements.
Thank you to all the firefighters and police who still serve. My cousin was NYPD that day.
I like that the ceremony will include a moment of silence. Sometimes words just aren't enough.
Glad the city is doing this. We have to remember what happened and honor everyone lost.
Those first responders always deserve our respect. 25 years is hard to believe.
Surprised more cities don’t do something like this anymore. Glad Panama City does.
The 21-gun salute always gives me chills. Much respect for our first responders and all who serve.
Hope they actually get the livestream up and running so we can join in from work.
25 years… I remember where I was clear as day. Thankful we keep honoring the memory.
Wish the parking wasn’t so tricky, but hoping the police shuttle is helpful. I’ll need it for my mom.
Glad the marina will be pedestrian only. Makes it safer for families with kids.
Having Col. Thulin speak is a solid choice. Couldn’t imagine what it’s like leading at Tyndall now.
Love seeing the tolling of the bell. Always gets me right in the heart every year.