Plans for Gustine’s 25th Anniversary 9/11 remembrance are continuing to come together, with important pieces of the project now moving from planning into place. This year’s remembrance walk and candlelight ceremony will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Community members are invited to meet at Coast Hardware, 545 Fifth St. in Gustine, before walking together to the Gustine Police Department, where the ceremony and plaque dedication will take place.
One of the biggest updates for this year’s event is the placement of the boulder that will hold the 25th anniversary plaque honoring the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and the first responders who answered the call. The plaque will be placed at the Gustine Police Department, creating a permanent location for the community to gather, reflect and remember.
The Gustine Traveling Library shared its gratitude to the many people who helped make that part of the project possible.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mike Matoza, Mike and Denise Azevedo, Anthony Peters and his team, and Judi Gandy for helping make sure this plaque has a strong and meaningful place to stand,” said Jose Flores, Vice President of the Gustine Traveling Library. “Finding the boulder, getting it transported to the Gustine Police Department and setting it in place took time, equipment and care. Their willingness to step up gave this tribute the kind of foundation it deserves. We also want to thank Gustine Public Works for helping clear and prepare the space so this project could move forward. This is exactly what community looks like: people using what they have to help create something lasting for everyone.”
The plaque project was made possible through local support, with the Gustine Traveling Library contributing $1,000 and Gustine Police Chief Ruben Chavez donating $1,600, fully covering the $2,600 cost of the plaque.
Organizers said Chief Chavez’s support has been especially meaningful because of his continued commitment to honoring first responders and keeping the memory of 9/11alive in Gustine. Chief Chavez said the plaque and ceremony will give the community a place to pause and remember the courage shown that day.
“Our first responders are true heroes,” Chavez said. “This plaque gives Gustine a place to come together, remember those who were lost and honor the men and women who continue to answer the call to help others.”
Along with the plaque dedication, another important part of this year’s remembrance is the American Flag Garden Project at Gustine Elementary School. The project will give students a hands-on way to take part in the 25th anniversary by helping create a red, white and blue living tribute inspired by the American flag. The garden is meant to help students understand that remembrance is not only about looking back. It is also about service, learning and finding ways to honor history through action.
James Rubio, Project Volunteer, said the garden project is one of the most important youth-focused pieces of this year’s remembrance effort.
“The American Flag Garden Project is a beautiful way to help educate our students while giving them something they can take pride in creating,” Flores said. “When young people are part of a project like this, they are not just being told to remember, they are helping build something that reminds them why service, unity and respect for our country matter. These students are the future of America, and giving them a meaningful way to honor 9/11 helps make sure that history, sacrifice and love for community are carried forward.”
The flag garden is part of the Gustine Traveling Library’s 2026 “We Serve to Remember” service work through Youth Service America, which encourages young people and communities to honor 9/11 through acts of service.
