September 12, 2026
Pocatello–This past Friday evening the community gathered to commemorate the terrorist attacks that took place on our soil a quarter century ago, on September 11, 2001. The riders of the POW/MIA Awareness Association thundered in just prior to the event’s 5:30 start time; immediately afterward, Bannock County Commissioner Ernie Moser welcomed the crowd.
The American and Idaho flags were raised by members of the Combined Honor Guard of Pocatello, including C/SMSgt Donlevy (Civil Air Patrol), SFC Luke Hayward (US Army, Ret.), MMN2 Angela Brush (US Navy, Ret.), Cpl. Jordan Johnson, and Ofc. Brendan Daniels. The Highland Saxophone Quartet performed a beautiful and solemn rendition of the National Anthem; this was followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Dr. Craig W. Nickisch (COL US Army, RET). Military Chaplain Brett Peterson offered the invocation.
Commissioner Ernie Moser then returned to the podium to share his memories of the 9/11 attacks and America’s response. He also read a proclamation by the Bannock County Commissioners urging residents to remember the attack, honor the fallen, and teach those too young to remember.
Finally, the Honorable Judge Rick Carnaroli read The Events As They Unfolded, a tribute to all who lost their lives due to the attack: those in the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, the passengers on the hijacked planes, the first responders who died either on that day or due to the effects of it, and the service members who paid the ultimate price during or because of the ensuing wars. After each group was mentioned, a bell mounted on one of Chubbuck’s fire engines was tolled in memory. Bell ringers included Bannock County Sheriff Tony Manu, Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei, Pocatello Fire Chief Shane Grow, Chubbuck Fire Department Captain Shane Manning, Asst. Chief Mel Timbana of the North Bannock Fire Department, and Angela Brush (US Navy, RET).
Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to attend a community dinner at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building.
