BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — As the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks approaches this Friday, people in Bakersfield are reflecting on how the events of 2001 still resonate across generations and why they believe the day should never be forgotten.

Each generation remembers 9-11 differently, with some recalling exactly where they were when the terrorist attacks unfolded and others learning about the day through family and community memories.

Sandi Jantz, deputy executive director of the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery, said the attacks underscored a harsh reality. “Terrorism is real and that there are people who really do want to destroy our way of life,” Jantz said.

Hector Chavez, who was one year old during the 9-11 attacks, said the fear still stands out in his family’s recollection. “My family and I think my entire community was really scared about it,” Chavez said.

Jantz said the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery is honoring 27 Kern County veterans who were called to duty post-9-11 and died in service. She said they registered or re-upped after the attacks.

For others, the day remains a vivid, personal memory.

“Sadness. It was pretty bad. I remember where I was. And I just couldn’t believe it,” Sara Brandon said.

Jantz said she believes those who weren’t alive during the attacks need to learn about what happened. “I think there should be one day for all of the children throughout the whole United States that they get a one-day lesson about 9-11,” she said.

Across ages, the message from those reflecting on the anniversary was to remember what happened and what it changed.

“I think people should always keep that in mind, that it could always happen. And that at the end of the day we all are just people. We all matter, and everyone counts no matter what happens,” Chavez said.

The Bakersfield Police and Fire departments will hold events on Friday in honor of 9-11.

At 9:30 a.m. on Friday, there will be a formal ceremony at Bakersfield Fire Department Station 15 at 1215 Buena Vista Road in Bakersfield. An evening ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 pm. Parking and shuttles will be available at the Riverwalk Park area for each ceremony.

For more information about the evening ceremony military program, call (661) 479-5095 or email info@warriorgallery.org.