FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026
www.sde.idaho.gov
Media Contact:
Maggie T. Reynolds
Public Information Officer
208-332-6976
[email protected]
(BOISE) – Students in Idaho will have the opportunity to remember, learn, and serve as they observe the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks through a partnership between the Idaho Department of Education, the Idaho State Historical Society, and the Idaho America250 Task Force.
This year’s anniversary falls within the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration, building on statewide commemorations that began with the “Two Lights for Tomorrow” lantern lighting ceremony, 2025 Patriot Day, and the America250 in Idaho kickoff celebration at the State Capitol.
This year’s “September 11 at 25: Remember. Learn. Serve.” campaign builds on that momentum, giving Idaho students and families an opportunity to consider the event in the context of the broader American experience. The campaign is an invitation, not a mandate, allowing districts and charters to determine how best to mark the anniversary in ways that reflect their communities and capacity.
“For students sitting in today’s classrooms, the September 11 terrorist attacks are a part of history, not a memory of the day that they can vividly recall, as I’m sure most of us can,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield. “Instead, our students have inherited a world profoundly changed by that event, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that they have the historical knowledge to understand what that means for them, our country, and our collective futures.”
Participating classrooms are invited to use tools and resources aligned with the three objectives:
- Remember: Honor those who lost their lives on September 11 and recognize survivors, families, first responders, service members, veterans, and all who carried the aftermath of that day’s events.
- Learn: Encourage age-appropriate study of what happened, why it matters historically, how Americans responded, and how the events reshaped the nation and the world.
- Serve: Reflect on service and civic responsibility in the American story while recognizing those who serve — first responders, military members, veterans, public servants, volunteers, neighbors, and more.
Local education agencies will receive a variety of materials to accomplish these goals. Resources from the National September 11 Memorial Museum, including the 9/11 Anniversary Digital Learning Experience and links to livestream a 35-minute film with first-person accounts of the attacks and aftermath, will be available on demand beginning on September 11.
Schools can also contribute to a large American flag mosaic through the “My America 2026 Campaign,” a national K-12 civic engagement initiative. They can give back by becoming a “School of Service” or “Classroom of Service,” committing to 11 acts of service in the 25 days following September 11 and pledging those acts through the 9.11 Day UNIITE For Good campaign or registering service activities through the 9.11 Day Volunteer Service Portal.
“On that day in 2001, the world as we know it changed profoundly,” said Critchfield. “Ensuring that young Americans understand not only the events of September 11, but also the bravery, heroism, and patriotism that was demonstrated that day and in the 25 years since, is of vital importance as students reach voting age and begin to participate in civic life.”
The anniversary, however, extends beyond Idaho’s classrooms. The America250 in Idaho Task Force has registered as an official partner of 9/11 Day, the national nonprofit that organizes the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, joining more than 800 participating organizations nationwide. The partnership creates opportunities for Idaho businesses, congregations, service clubs, civic groups, and individuals to mark the day through service in their own communities.
“History is essential because it helps us understand not only what happened, but who we are and what we owe to one another,” said Idaho State Historical Society Executive Director and America250 in Idaho Task Force Chair Janet Gallimore. “As Idaho joins the nation in commemorating 250 years of the American experience, September 11 reminds us that our nation’s history also includes moments of profound loss and extraordinary courage. In defining moments, Americans have come together through service, sacrifice, and a commitment to one another. Remembering those moments helps carry those values forward to future generations.”
Several opportunities to get involved are already planned.
Boise is one of more than 50 cities hosting a 9/11 Day Meal Pack on September 10th and 11th at JUMP as part of a national effort which will see 50,000+ volunteers pack roughly 20 million meals for families facing hunger. Idaho State University has also led planning for service activities across the state, including 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs, in which participants ascend 110 flights alongside local first responders. The America250 in Idaho Task Force also encourages other organizations to design and register their projects through the 9/11 Day volunteer portal.
Local education agencies interested in taking part can access available resources on the Idaho Department of Education’s website. Links to the 9.11 Day Volunteer Portal and UNIITE For Good Campaign are also available at america250.idaho.gov.
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About Idaho Department of Education
The Idaho Department of Education is the state agency that supports and strengthens K-12 education in Idaho. By advocating for Idaho’s families, educators, and schools with funding and educational policy alignment, we support and lead academic achievement to ensure every student is prepared with the skills and job readiness to succeed.
