3rd Annual 9/11 Remembrance Event:
“An Unforgettable Evening of Tribute and Inspiration”
Cast Member Reviews
I am honored to be a part of the Monumental Talks 2026 cast. I was impressed with the speakers for this year’s event. The talks were powerful and brought awareness to the fact that there are real people behind the freedoms which we sometimes take for granted. The words to the song, What Is the Cost of Freedom, were resonated over and over again throughout the narration and in the talks, as we were reminded of the cost of freedom and that freedom isn’t free.
The second half of the program was a contrast to the weight of the talks in the first half, offering us a chance to reflect and to appreciate some of the liberties that we currently enjoy. I liked the diversity of the dance presentations, from a beautiful video/live performance of a dance from a contest in Dubai, to the passionate dancers on stage, members of the Everett community. With the exception of the speakers and some of the out of town performers, the Monumental Talks format offers an opportunity for members of the Everett community to present their views of freedom and gives them an opportunity to not only learn about the real live stories of heroism and sacrifice, which contributes to the building of their character, but also provides them a space and an opportunity to express themselves and to celebrate our nation’s freedom.
The Monumental Talks is a monumentally important platform for bringing awareness to us of those who are sometimes forgotten, yet who have paid the price for our freedoms. This year’s event on September 11th, on our 25th anniversary of 9/11 and our nation’s 250th anniversary made this event that much more important and meaningful. Thank you Dr. Sanford Wright for your vision and for creating such an important event.
– Dehner Franks
9/16/26
Being a guest at Monumental Talks 2026 in Everett and sharing The Fireman’s Prayer Anthem was a privilege. An evening of remembrance, gratitude, and quiet strength that honored first responders in the spirit the piece was written to serve. Bravo!
– Charles-Henri Avelange
9/29/26