One of the most tragic days in American history, Sept. 11, 2001, was remembered during a memorial ceremony Thursday in Junction City. Geary County Sheriff Nate Boeckman told an audience gathered in front of the Municipal Building that the world had shifted. "We were stunned, heartbroken and we were unsure what the future would hold."

The World Trade Center Twin Towers and the Pentagon were the site of plane attacks and another plane was taken down in a Pennsylvania field. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives and thousands more were injured. "We saw the strength of our nation. We came together," said Boeckman. "We were above all else Americans."

First reponders were recognized for their service.

To local residents Boeckman also said, "We are Geary County. We stand for each other, we care for one another and when challenges come whether from afar or from close to home we meet them head on together."

The ceremony included the laying of a wreath, taps and a 21-gun salute.

The program printed for the event also included information about Geary County native William Otto "Bill" Caspar, who was killed at the World Trade Center. Caspar was a graduate of Saint Francis Xavier High School and Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757640688024.jpeg" alt="( Photos Garry Berges )" />
 <figcaption>( Photos Garry Berges )</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostOne of the most tragic days in American history, Sept. 11, 2001, was remembered during a memorial ceremony Thursday in Junction City. Geary County Sheriff Nate Boeckman told an audience gathered in front of the Municipal Building that the world had shifted. "We were stunned, heartbroken and we were unsure what the future would hold."The World Trade Center Twin Towers and the Pentagon were the site of plane attacks and another plane was taken down in a Pennsylvania field. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives and thousands more were injured. "We saw the strength of our nation. We came together," said Boeckman. "We were above all else Americans."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757640807848.jpeg" alt="Geary Counrt Sheriff Nate Boeckman )" />
 <figcaption>Geary Counrt Sheriff Nate Boeckman )</figcaption>
 </figure>First reponders were recognized for their service.To local residents Boeckman also said, "We are Geary County. We stand for each other, we care for one another and when challenges come whether from afar or from close to home we meet them head on together."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1757640877992.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The ceremony included the laying of a wreath, taps and a 21-gun salute.The program printed for the event also included information about Geary County native William Otto "Bill" Caspar, who was killed at the World Trade Center. Caspar was a graduate of Saint Francis Xavier High School and Kansas State University.

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001