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Photo graphic with the City of Phoenix Bird Logo and text that reads "Phoenix Remembers 9/11" with the visual of an American Flag.

Commemorating 25 Years Since 9/11

Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the City of Phoenix is leading a series of initiatives designed to help shape remembrance, service, and unity.

Through the City’s Office of Youth and Education, young people across Phoenix have spent weeks participating in focus groups, sharing ideas, and designing events to ensure the lessons of that day continue to inspire future generations. The goal is to empower Phoenix youth to shape the 25th commemoration of 9/11 through meaningful service, creativity, gratitude, and community impact.

In September, there will be many ways for everyone to participate in the commemoration.

Scheduled Events

"Hope and Unity for Everyone" Art Contest
A commemorative art contest inviting K-12 students to reflect on the theme of "Honor and Unity" and show how it applies to remembering the attacks on 9/11. The deadline to submit artwork is Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

PHXTeens and First Responders: An Evening of Remembrance and Unity
Friday, Sept. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Brett Tarver Learning Center.
1516 N 35th Avenue

The City will soon announce a special program honoring the members of Arizona Task Force 1 who deployed to Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks. The event will include youth participants, with meaningful conversations to ensure the legacy of service, sacrifice, and resilience continues to inspire future leaders.

'Hope and Unity for Everyone' Art Contest

Calling all young artists!

Phoenix youth grades K-12 are invited to participate in an art contest for a chance to have your art featured at a special City event. The deadline to submit is Wednesday, August 19.

Requirements:

  • Artwork must be submitted on quality, standard (8½ x 11) size white paper.
  • Entries can be paintings or drawings in black and white or full color.
  • A completed entry form must be included with the submission. The student’s full name, grade, and school/program must also be written on the back of the artwork.
  • Each student may only submit one entry.
  • Artwork should depict positive images that represent unity, hope, and acts of kindness.
  • Winning entries will have their submissions showcased at a City of Phoenix facility. Prizes will also be awarded (details to be determined).
  • Judging will be based on creativity, the effectiveness of conveying the theme, and the artwork’s ability to inspire interest in Phoenix history.

SUBMISSIONS CAN BE DELIVERED OR MAILED TO:
City of Phoenix
Youth and Education Office, 19th Floor
200 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003

The deadline to submit is Wednesday, August 19.

Questions? Email: mailbox.youth@phoenix.gov.

How can you participate?

The Youth and Education Office held focus group sessions with Phoenix youth ages 14 to 21 across the City who provided input on how they envision commemorating twenty-five years since the attacks on 9/11. Ideas from those discussions outline ways everyone can get involved and do something to help unite and uplift everyone in their community. See each dropdown below for a list of ideas.

  • Assemble and deliver thank-you gift baskets to first responders
  • Create and distribute thank-you cards and letters for first responders
  • Organize meal deliveries for first responder teams
  • Coordinate community clean-up and beautification projects
  • Assemble heat relief kits for vulnerable populations

  • Host speaker panels that feature community leaders and heroes
  • Organize volunteer fairs to connect youth with local non-profits
  • Coordinate school assemblies incorporating ways to honor 9/11

  • Plan public service events honoring 9/11 heroes
  • Organize candlelight vigils or remembrance walks
  • Host interfaith prayer services or moments of silence

  • Gather youth testimonial videos and event highlights
  • Host a random acts of kindness challenge
  • Share video and audio announcements by community leaders, elected officials, features in airports, public access channels and other methods of public outreach
  • And share your project using hashtag #PHXRemembers