Fort Pierce, Florida — September 11, 2026 — The Fort Pierce Westwood Academy Panther Battalion Army JROTC conducted a solemn 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday in observance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The ceremony brought together cadets, students, faculty, staff, guests, and members of the school community to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, recognize the courage and sacrifice of first responders, and reflect on the lasting impact September 11 has had on the nation.
The ceremony and Panther Battalion were led by Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Angela Rivera and Battalion Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Angel Flannigan. Their leadership, professionalism, and composure helped guide the battalion through a respectful and meaningful tribute.
The program included a formal Color Guard presentation of the National Colors, a dedicated flag detail, moments of reflection, and other ceremonial elements conducted by Panther Battalion cadets. Throughout the program, cadets demonstrated discipline, teamwork, respect, and attention to detail while representing Fort Pierce Westwood Academy and Army JROTC with pride.
A significant part of the ceremony was the participation of guest speaker Mrs. Ashley Granberg, who shared a deeply personal perspective, connected to the events of September 11. Having been in close proximity to the events and having experienced the loss of loved ones, Mrs. Granberg provided those in attendance with a powerful reminder that the events of September 11 were not only historic, but deeply personal for thousands of families across the nation.
Her remarks emphasized remembrance, sacrifice, resilience, patriotism, and the responsibility of future generations to continue honoring those whose lives were lost and forever changed.
At the conclusion of her remarks, Battalion Commander LTC Angela Rivera presented Mrs. Granberg with an American flag on behalf of the Panther Battalion as a gesture of appreciation for her participation, her personal testimony, and her willingness to help the school community understand the lasting significance of September 11. The presentation served as a meaningful expression of gratitude and respect from the cadets of the Panther Battalion.
The 25th anniversary ceremony provided students with an opportunity to connect classroom history with personal experience while reinforcing the values of citizenship, service, leadership, and respect. For the Panther Battalion cadets, the ceremony also served as an opportunity to put their leadership training into practice while conducting an important school-wide event.
Under the leadership of LTC Rivera and CSM Flannigan, the Color Guard, flag detail, cadet leaders, and supporting members of the battalion worked together to ensure the ceremony was conducted with the dignity and professionalism appropriate for the occasion.
Fort Pierce Westwood Academy and the Panther Battalion were honored to recognize this important anniversary and to ensure that the sacrifices of September 11, 2001, continue to be remembered by a new generation.
