The Minnesota 9/11 Tribute returned to Minneapolis’s Lake Harriet Bandshell on Friday, 11 September, for its 25th anniversary – and what organisers described as the final concert in the long-running memorial tradition.
The event, held after a break of several years, brought residents together to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, while also honouring first responders and members of the armed forces.
The evening began with a Fireman’s Walk around Lake Harriet before music and reflection at the bandshell. A flag ceremony was followed by performances from the 204th Army Band and the Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble.
The future of the Minnesota 9/11 Tribute
Mary Middleton, chair of the Minnesota 9/11 Tribute, said the significance of the attacks had not diminished with time.
“I can’t imagine it’s been 25 years. I remember sitting on the floor cross-legged watching TV when the plane hit,” she said. “I just think it’s something we need to remember. It’s like Pearl Harbor. It’s like D-Day.”
Nancy Anderson, who attended to show her support, said the attacks had left a lasting impression on her.
“It feels good to be here. It’s a sad day,” she said. “Because it made a huge impact on me the day it happened. It scared the heck out of me and I wanted to come and support. Support the military and all the people who passed.”
Anderson said the tribute also had an important role in teaching younger generations about the attacks and their consequences.
“It’s part of our history. We need to teach our children what this was all about,” she said.
Organisers have faced health problems and growing difficulty raising the money needed to stage the concert. A previous event was cancelled in 2023 because of a shortage of volunteers and donations.
The tribute’s official organisers had billed the 11 September 2026 gathering as the 25th annual and final concert. Middleton said the prospect of ending the tradition was painful.
“I think it hurts. This is going to be really hard if I have to think of this one being the last one,” she said.
The organisers said the decision reflects the practical challenges of continuing, rather than a belief that the memorial is no longer important. For those gathered at Lake Harriet, the anniversary remained an opportunity to remember the dead, recognise those who responded and ensure the events of 11 September 2001 are not forgotten.
