Knox City man ensures younger generations ‘never forget’ on anniversary of 9/11

HASKELL COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – In the early morning hours of Thursday, September 11, 2025, just as dawn was breaking, residents in Haskell gathered in the town square for an annual remembrance ceremony. High overhead, Knox City Pilot Dustin Johnson proudly flew the stars and stripes in hopes of inspiring remembrance and resilience to all below as they took time to reflect on the national tragedy that was the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

“Last year. I guess it was a day or two before 9/11, and I was asking my oldest daughter, who was 8 at the time, what they were doing for 9/11. She didn’t really even seem to know what she needed to know about 9/11, so at that moment I decided we should get a flag out, fly it around, and at least if we fly over the school and the kids see it, maybe somebody will tell them what happened 24 years ago,” Johnson said.

This is the second year that Johnson has taken to the skies in recognition of this anniversary. His flight began in Haskell, where residents were already gathered to observe the day, which they have been doing every year since 2005. Haskell County Judge Administrative Assistant and event organizer Susan Cockerell told KTAB/KRBC that the turnout each year is fairly regular, with folks contributing what they can to make the day that much more memorable.

“It’s not huge, but our little town’s not that big either… We just decided it was something that our community needed… It’s our little corner of the world’s way of remembering those and celebrating those who were left behind, and we especially want to remember the first responders,” said Cockerell.

The day included contributions from the local 4-H chapter and local first responders. Following his flight over Haskell, Johnson flew his helicopter over crowds of school children at Knox City and Munday area schools.

“It’s a really good feeling from up above when you see everybody down low. You’ll see cars that have no idea why I’m flying, and they’ll jump out and salute the flag. It’s pretty cool to see,” Johnson said.

Inspired by a desire to see his own children reminded of the importance of this anniversary, Johnson says he hopes to keep this flyover an annual tradition to continue spreading the message to the generations that might not have heard of the September 11 attacks.