September 11, 2026 - Clovis, CA - The California 9/11 Memorial is proud to announce the 2026 guest speaker, for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, retired New York City Firefighter, Andy Isolano.
The California 9/11 Memorial Ceremony is hosted annually on September 11th from 8:30 a.m - 9:30 a.m. at 3485 Never Forget Lane, Clovis CA 93612. The ceremony is free and the public is encouraged to attend.
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Andy Isolano is a retired New York City firefighter whose life story is one of service, sacrifice, loss, resilience, and finding purpose after unimaginable circumstances.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in East Meadow, Long Island, Andy began his career as a digital retoucher before joining the New York City Fire Department in 1992. He served with Ladder Company 108 and became a chauffeur in 1995.
On September 11, 2001, Andy lost 13 close friends. He spent countless hours working at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the attacks, an experience that would forever change his life. Years of exposure to the conditions at Ground Zero ultimately led to serious lung problems and forced Andy to leave the career he loved. At the same time, he was navigating a divorce and facing the difficult task of rebuilding his life.
In December 2001, Andy and approximately 1,000 other first responders were invited to Clovis, California, by David McDonald, CEO of Pelco, for the dedication of the California 9/11 Memorial. What began as an opportunity to honor those who served became a turning point in Andy’s life. He returned to Clovis each year for September 11th ceremonies, and in 2004, he made Clovis his home.
Andy opened a New York-style family deli in 2005 and later returned to public service, joining the Clovis Police Department as a Code Enforcement Officer. He eventually transferred to the Clovis Fire Department, where he served as a Fire Prevention Officer.
Today, Andy lives with his wife in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, enjoying the beauty and slower pace of coastal life. Yet no matter where life has taken him, he has remained deeply connected to the events of September 11th and to the people he lost that day.
Andy considers it his life mission to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, including the 13 close friends he personally lost. Through speaking, attending and participating in September 11th ceremonies, and sharing his experiences, he works to keep their memories alive and ensure that future generations understand the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of those who served.
Andy’s story is ultimately about more than September 11th. It is about losing the life you knew, finding the strength to begin again, and discovering a renewed sense of purpose. For Andy, that purpose is simple but profound: to remember, to honor, and to never let the fallen be forgotten.
MISSION
To never forget the civilians, first responders and military personnel who died during the tragic events on September 11, 2001.
VISION
Through honor, education and remembrance we are committed to memorializing those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and celebrate the resilience of the American
ABOUT US
The California 9/11 Memorial in Clovis, CA is a permanent monument built to honor and remember the 2,977 people lost in the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack. Each year, citizens, first responders, and military personnel gather at the site to perform a tradition steeped ceremony, honoring the brave spirits who gave their lives to save others. This commemoration ceremony and dedicated monument are the largest of their kind outside of New York City. Officially established in 2019, the California 9/11 Memorial is a 501c3 non-profit benefit organization
Source: California 9/11 Memorial