Jasper Gathers in Remembrance of 9/11

Photos Courtesy of Brent Meaux and Chris Lanier.

A moment of reflection: A community member salutes the 9/11 memorial at Jasper Courthouse Square during the 24th Annual Jasper Remembers ceremony.

JASPER, Texas – The Jasper County Courthouse Square became a place of solemn pride and remembrance on Saturday as the community gathered for the 15th Annual Jasper Remembers 9-11 ceremony, marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Organized by Jasper Remembers 9-11, with Roy A. James serving as Chairman, the ceremony honored the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11 and recognized the courage of first responders, the sacrifice of military members, and the families who continue to carry the weight of loss.

This year’s program was especially meaningful with the appearance of the Jasper County ESD #4 Honor Guard. Dressed in crisp uniforms, the unit stood tall as they posted the colors with precision and dignity. Commander Todd Stott led the Honor Guard, whose members represent fire departments across Jasper County, including Tri-Community, East End, Lake Rayburn, Jasper, and Beech Grove. Although new to this particular event, the Honor Guard has proudly served the county for the past four years, and their participation was described as a proud and moving moment for the community.

Throughout the morning, voices of gratitude and remembrance filled the square. Chris Lanier of Beech Grove VFD delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of area responders, while James Rundberg, Commander of VFW Post 6380, spoke on the enduring service of the U.S. military and honored Gold Star families whose sacrifice is deeply felt.

The ceremony moved through moments of prayer, the posting of responder flags, and the laying of a memorial wreath before the community was invited to place flags in the courthouse grounds. Each flag represented not just remembrance, but a promise: that Jasper will never forget.

Behind every prayer and every salute stood the courthouse’s 9/11 monument, which holds a piece of steel from the fallen World Trade Center towers — a tangible reminder of the day America was changed forever.

Participants included the Jasper Police Department, Kirbyville Volunteer Fire Department, Roganville Volunteer Fire Department, and Allegiance Mobile Health – Jasper EMS, each standing in solidarity with the community they serve.

As the ceremony closed with prayer, the message was clear: Jasper’s tradition of remembrance is not just about looking back — it is about carrying forward the legacy of bravery, sacrifice, and unity.

Photos Courtesy of Brent Meaux and Chris Lanier.