GUSTINE — Gustine marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with a day of remembrance that brought together students, first responders, city leaders and residents in a series of tributes focused on service, reflection and community.
The day began at Gustine Elementary School, where more than 400 students helped create an American Flag Garden — a hands‑on project designed to teach younger generations about the significance of remembering Sept. 11, 2001. Led by the Gustine Elementary PTA, the Gustine High School floral class and the Gustine Traveling Library, the garden became both a visual tribute and a lesson in patriotism, sacrifice and the responsibility of keeping history alive.
Students placed flags in honor of the nearly 3,000 lives lost, while also recognizing the firefighters, police officers, paramedics and everyday Americans who responded with courage during one of the nation’s darkest days.
That evening, the community gathered again for Gustine’s annual 9/11 memorial walk and candlelight ceremony. Residents met at Coast Hardware before walking together to the Gustine Police Department, where the city dedicated its 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Plaque. The plaque now rests on a boulder placed through a community effort involving Mike Matoza, Mike and Denise Azevedo, Anthony Peters and his team, Judi Gandy and Gustine Public Works.
A highlight of the ceremony came when Councilwoman Sherri Marsigli delivered a proclamation honoring Judy Quinn, founder of Gustine’s 9/11 Memorial Walk. The tribute added a personal touch to the evening, recognizing Quinn’s role in shaping how the community remembers the day.
Gustine Police Chief Ruben Chavez also shared remarks on the importance of honoring the lives lost and the first responders who continue to serve. Chavez, who was working with the San Jose Police Department on Sept. 11, 2001, has often spoken about how the events of that day shaped his understanding of duty and service.
He said the memorial walk gives the community a chance to pause and reflect, especially on milestone anniversaries like this year’s 25th. From the morning’s student flag garden to the evening’s candlelight walk and plaque dedication, the day underscored the importance of teaching future generations why 9/11 matters.
This year’s remembrance was coordinated by the Gustine Traveling Library and the City of Gustine as part of the 2026 “We Serve to Remember” initiative, which encourages communities to honor the anniversary through service, education and involvement.
By the end of the evening, the glow of candles, quiet reflection and the newly dedicated plaque created a lasting tribute — showing how a small community can come together to honor a national tragedy in a deeply local and meaningful way.
