Tom Perumean / Houston Public Media
Mayor John Whitmire embraces Larry Catuzzi, father of Lauren Catuzzi-Grandcolas, who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
Local officials, first responders, veterans and families across the Houston region marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by honoring those who died and those who responded to the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.
The city of Houston held a remembrance event Friday morning at Lauren’s Garden in Market Square Park. The garden is a living memorial to Lauren Catuzzi-Grandcolas, a native Houstonian. She lost her life aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers wrested control away from hijackers.
After the invocation, Houston Mayor John Whitmire spoke from the podium.
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“I often wonder how we get through moments like this, moments like 9/11, and then I realize we do it together, leaning on one another and our faith — and that’s what we’re doing today,” Whitmire said. “It’s a solemn occasion for our nation, for our community. And there are families all over our country that are hurting this morning, and I hope God gives me the strength to lead today because there is no training or experience that prepares you for this solemn occasion.”
After Sept. 11, Catuzzi-Grandcola’s story served as the catalyst for the establishment of the garden in her memory. Her family posthumously published her children’s book, “You Can Do It!,” and they set up a foundation in her honor, providing college scholarships to young women.
Whitmire said her “memory lives with us each and every day.”
“When I read of her accomplishments, she helped make Houston the great city that it is today,” Whitmire said. “Her writings, her mentoring young Girl Scouts attempting to achieve their merit badges, writing a book with the proceeds going to Texas Children’s Hospital, so generations of children, the maternity ward are receiving her love and accomplishments. For that, we recognize her.”
Related: 25 years later, a Houston firefighter remembers the brother he lost on 9/11
Lauren’s father, Larry Catuzzi, was instrumental in establishing the garden.
“Some of you are going to know all of this, but I want to reiterate, this gal was — she was our middle daughter,” Catuzzi said. “And if you know middle daughters, they come in a different package, and she came in a different package.”
He said Lauren was pregnant with what would’ve been her first child.
Catuzzi praised the “courageous actions” of the passengers aboard Flight 93, who prevented the aircraft from reaching Washington.
Melissa Enaje / Houston Public Media
U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from the Houston-based 75th Innovation Command carry out a flag-folding ceremony on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Miles away, at the historic Fort Bend County courthouse on Friday morning, honor guards entered the courtroom and faced the audience to formally display the U.S. and Texas flags.
Patriotic songs played while guests watched video tributes displaying historic scenes from the World Trade Center and honoring first responders and military personnel. Guests bowed their heads as prayers were said for the families impacted by the terrorist attacks.
U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from the Houston-based 75th Innovation Command carried out a flag-folding ceremony, a custom and symbolic tribute to the country and the armed forces.
Retired U.S. Army Col. Mark Ned is Fort Bend County’s director of veteran services. He remembered visiting New York City weeks before 9/11. He said he subsequently spent years of his military career supporting the international military campaign launched after the attacks.
“It really brought to the forefront what security means and what freedom costs,” Ned said.
He said the attacks “united us as a country,” and it’s important to continue “reflecting on those lives lost and sacrifices made.”
“I think we always need to keep that at the forefront — because somebody didn’t come home,” Ned said. “Someone is still living with those scars of Sept. 11.”