Sept. 11, 2026- Superintendent Michael Citta was a featured speaker this morning during a gathering of local leaders seeking to honor the lives lost on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Citta's remarks focused on the role of education in preserving the memory of that day for future generations.

"Twenty-five years have passed," he said. "And that passage of time gives us an greater responsibility as educators."

Two-and-half decades removed from the tragic day, Citta noted that no current student lived through that day or watched the events unfold, and therefore the ongoing remembrance and "never forget" promise falls on educators.

"We must teach our students about the nearly 3,000 lives that were lost," he said. "We must remember the first responders who ran toward danger when every instinct told others to run away. And we must honor the countless individuals — including members of our own New Jersey and Toms River communities — whose lives and families were forever changed."

The event took place in downtown Toms River, was hosted by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and Toms River Volunteer Fire Co. 1, and featured a number of dignitaries and local leaders (above) including the board's Director Frank Sadeghi, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, fire chiefs past and present, and many more. There were musical performances by the OCVTS choir and Toms River Municipal Band, a wreath laying, release of doves and, most poignantly, a reading of names of Ocean County residents who lives were lost on that day 25 years ago.

Schools do their part

True to his words — "Most importantly, we teach, so that a generation that did not experience September 11 will still understand its significance and carry its lessons forward," Citta said — schools throughout the district kept the memory of 9/11 alive. See the photos below of students and staff honoring Sept. 11, 2001 — flag ceremonies and placements, wearing red, white, and blue, and more — 25 years later.