September 11, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25th Anniversary Commemoration of September 11, 2001
Barstow Community College Honors Lives Lost, Heroes and a Nation Forever Changed
Barstow, CA-Today, Barstow Community College (BCC) gathered with community leaders, first responders, military personnel, veterans, educators, students, and residents to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Surrounded by 2,977 American flags—one representing each life lost that day—the community came together to remember the individuals behind the number: the fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, friends, coworkers, first responders, military personnel, and ordinary Americans whose lives were forever changed.
The solemn ceremony included an invocation by Deacon Joe Moorman of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Presentation of the Colors by the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Barstow Community College District, Board of Trustees President Julie Hackbarth-McIntyre, and the National Anthem performed by BCC alumna Bianca Paolini.
BCC Superintendent-President Dr. Eva Bagg delivered an Anchor of the Community address, followed by keynote remarks from Chief Ryan Tworek of the MCLB Fire Department. The program continued with a moment of silence led by Chief Tworek, followed by a moving performance of “Taps” by Noah Norton of Barstow High School. His bugle performance provided a solemn tribute to the lives lost and all those who have served and sacrificed in the years since September 11, 2001.
BCC also recognized the support and service of distinguished community and government partners, including representatives from the offices of Congressman Jay Obernolte Senator, Rosalicie Ochoa Bogh, and Assemblyman Tom Lackey, along with leaders from MCLB, the Barstow Police Department, Barstow Fire Department, the Veterans Home of California, Barstow, the City of Barstow, and community organizations.
As a lasting tribute, BCC presented commemorative coins to distinguished guests and valued partners in recognition of their dedication, support, and commitment to making the commemoration possible.
The ceremony concluded with a moving bagpipe performance of Amazing Grace by GySgt Joel M. Daniel, USMC (Ret.).
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to walk among the flags and take a closer look at the names of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, as well as visit BCC’s tribute stone, presented to the College by the Associated Student Body in 2008.
For the community of Barstow, today was more than a commemoration of an event in history. It was a remembrance of people, service, sacrifice, courage, and the enduring strength of community.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, participated, shared their talents, donated time, resources, or support, and helped make this meaningful commemoration possible. Barstow Community College extends special appreciation to the generous donors and community partners whose contributions helped bring the event together and honor this important day of remembrance.
About Barstow Community College
Barstow Community College (BCC) is a two-year public college in California’s High Desert that serves a wide range of students from Barstow and surrounding communities, including Lenwood, Newberry Springs, Yermo, and Baker. BCC offers programs to help students transfer to four-year universities, train for careers, or improve basic skills. The college also provides workforce training that meets local job needs and supports military personnel and their families through its center at Fort Irwin. Learn more at barstow.edu.
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Media Contact
Amanda Simpson
Barstow Community College
asimpson@barstow.edu
Phone: (760) 252-2411 x7348
