Friday marks the 25th anniversary of the day “we will never forget” as Fresno area communities and those across the nation pay tribute to the victims and heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Nearly 3,000 lives were lost that day, and the total would have been higher if not for the bravery exhibited by first-responders and the ordinary citizens summoning extraordinary courage on that day.

According to the World Trade Center Health Program, around 9,000 first responders, volunteers, and survivors of the day died due to long-term illnesses caused by breathing in the toxic air and dust at Ground Zero.

A nation watched transfixed via television as American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, followed by United Airlines Flight 175 crashing into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in a span of 17 minutes between 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m.

About 30 minutes later, American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon. All passengers were killed and so were 125 civilian and military personnel at the Pentagon, including Lt. Cmdr. Otis Tolbert, a former Fresno State football player.

United Flight 93

Away from television’s global eyes, United Airlines Flight 93 later plowed into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Although its ultimate target was unknown, it was likely heading for the White House or the Capitol.

Terrorist hijackers crashed the Boeing 757 after some of the passengers led — by Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett, Jeremy Glick, and others — fought the hijackers in an attempt to take control of the aircraft.

Beamer, who attended Fresno State and played baseball before injuries curtailed his sports aspirations, famously said, “Are you ready? OK. Let’s roll” before storming the hijackers. In 2010, the city of Fresno dedicated a park in Beamer’s honor.

Here’s a look at Valley 9/11 events:

Clovis

The California 9/11 Memorial, 3485 Never Forget Lane, will host its annual event, which attracts a large number of first responders, military personnel, and community members.

This year’s special guest is former New York City firefighter Andy Isolano, who served with Ladder 108 in Brooklyn, from where he responded on 9/11. He remains a firefighter and now lives in the Fresno area.

The event begins Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Michael Montelongo, a former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, will speak Friday at 6 p.m. at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 808 Fourth St. Montelongo was in the Pentagon when it was attacked.

In addition, Clovis will light up its water tower in red, white, and blue Friday at 8 p.m. at Fifth Street and Veterans Parkway.

On Saturday, One Voice — The Spirit of 9/12 will celebrate student art and poetry about national unity following the 9/11 attacks. Clovis Veterans Memorial District is hosting the event, which begins at 10 a.m. with a reception.

Fresno

Fresno City College invites attendees to honor and reflect on the attacks during its annual memorial event Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the campus Veterans Square, 1101 E. University Ave.

The seventh annual Ceremony of Remembrance begins Friday at 6 p.m. at Todd Beamer Park, 1890 E. Plymouth Way. There will be F-15 and sheriff’s helicopter flyovers. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs because seating is limited.

Fresno City College will hold a 9/11 Stair Climb sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation on Friday, Sept. 18, 5:30 to 7:30 a.m., at Ratcliffe Stadium. Fire Academy Class 66, EMT Students, and EMS-Corps will make four laps around the stadium stairs. That equals 2200 stairs or 110 flights, which is the number of stairs firefighters climbed during 9/11.

If you would like to participate and/or support as a sponsor, go to https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/fresno26

Lemoore

The seventh annual Lt. Cmdr. Otis Tolbert 9/11 Memorial Golf Tournament is Saturday, Sept. 12, at Lemoore Golf Course, 350 Iona Ave. The event, which begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start,  supports the Otis Vincent Tolbert 9/11 Memorial Fund.

Madera

Madera Community College will hold its Day of Remembrance Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the campus flagpole, 30277 Ave. 12.

A 9/11 memorial marking the attacks’ 25th anniversary begins Friday at 9 a.m. at Courthouse Park, 210 W. Yosemite Ave.

Tulare

The Central California Blood Center and Tulare Rotary Club host their 20th annual memorial blood drive Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Tulare Veterans Memorial Building, 1771 E. Tulare Ave.

A 7 a.m. ceremony will include an honor guard, memorial bell ringing, and firefighter’s prayer. Donation appointments are available through the blood center or by calling (559) 389-5433.

Visalia

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department invite community members to honor victims and responders Friday at 8 a.m. at their headquarters, 833 S. Akers St.