2nd Annual 9/11 Remembrance Event:
“An Unforgettable Evening of Tribute and Inspiration”

Note of Gratitude from SJW

An Open Letter of Gratitude

October 14, 2025

Dear Friends,

A very important thing that I have wanted to do following our incredible 9/11 Remembrance Event is to send out  this heartfelt THANK YOU to every single person who helped make this monumental evening possible.

There are so many stories behind the success of this year’s “Freedom & Family” event, and each one of you played a critical role in creating a night that none of us will ever forget.

From the early planning stages to the final standing ovation, this was a team effort in the truest sense.

To our cast and crew, your professionalism, creativity, and commitment elevated every element of this production. Our speakers delivered powerful, deeply human stories. Our musicians and vocalists moved the room with grace and conviction. Our DJ dancers brought youth, energy, and a touch of magic. And our stage and tech teams worked under intense pressure to ensure a seamless performance.

A special shout-out to Keith Corning and the Civic Auditorium staff, who quickly pivoted to reconfigure visuals and sound. To Frank Craven and his front-of-house team, who greeted an audience nearly double the size of last year. To the amazing Erryn Guilfoyle, whose marketing efforts brought hundreds through the doors, through partnerships with local media and outreach across our community. 

Thank you to Mayor Joe Marine, a true master of ceremonies, even after a full weekend of public service. To Mayor Cassie Franklin for her ongoing support. And to our featured speakers — Lt. Col. Dan Matthews, Steve McLaughlin, Jeff Swan, and Lia Tetreault for reminding us why these stories matter.

To Capt. Stacy Wuthier and the Naval Station Everett Color Guard, your presence grounded us in reverence and respect.

To the musicians, Jack Klitzman and his world-class band, Dehner Franks, Monet Pelleur, Michael Sicoly, and every extraordinary vocalist — thank you for turning sound into soul.

To those behind the curtain, Sam Samano, Maureen Keenan, Patti Larson, Dascha Wright, Danylo Yanchyshyn and every hand in the wings — your work was felt in every smooth transition, every nourishing bite, every held door.

To our videographer, David Eaks, and our website manager, Brandon Tutmarc, thank you for capturing and sharing the magic. To revisit the evening, the full event video is available here:

🎥 Watch the 2025 Monumental Talks 9/11 Remembrance Event

This year’s Monumental Talks reminded me why we do this. Why storytelling matters. Why music, memory, and community still have the power to move us and to bring us together, to heal, to hope.

And on a deeply personal note, I want you to know how much this event means to me.

It’s not just a night of performances. It’s not just a program. It’s a living expression of what I hold most dear: honoring those who serve, remembering those we’ve lost, and lifting the voices that make us whole. To see so many people come together, pour their hearts into this, and create something truly moving. It humbles me.

You gave me a gift this year. One I will carry with me always.

With deep and abiding gratitude,

Sanford J. Wright
Producer and Director, Monumental Talks