The Healing Field, as it is known, began in 2002 ahead of the first year after the terrorist attacks. Using $60,000 in donated funds, organizers displayed 3,000 American flags in Tempe to memorialize those who died.
Over the years, organizers added a tribute ceremony and a concert to events spread over several days to continue to mark the occasion.
In 2026, tributes across the country are especially meaningful as it has now been 25 years since the attacks.
There are at least nine permanent memorials in Arizona honoring those who died in the attacks, according to Voices of September 11th, a nonprofit organization that tracks such tributes worldwide.
The Tempe Beach Park event began Sept. 10 at 5:46 a.m. — the time the first jet struck the World Trade
Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Participants in the predawn ceremony placed flags for each of those who died in the attacks.
On Sept. 11, organizers will hold a ceremony starting at the same time. The names of the victims are read at the end. At 7 p.m., candles will be placed at the base of the flags.
On Sept. 12, organizers have scheduled what they dubbed a “Freedom Concert” featuring patriotic songs at the park. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and is scheduled to last two hours.
The next day, there is a 5K “Tunnel to Towers” run and walk beginning at the park at 7:30 a.m. worldwide.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tempe Healing Field honors 9/11 victims 25 years later. See photos
