How 9/11 reshaped Colorado Springs

Twenty-five years ago, the Sept. 11 attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and transformed Colorado Springs' role in national defense.

Why it matters: NORAD personnel at Cheyenne Mountain shifted from a Cold War exercise to a real-world emergency that Tuesday in 2001, coordinating fighter scrambles and the nationwide grounding of commercial flights.

The attacks permanently expanded NORAD's mission and led to U.S. Northern Command's creation at Peterson in 2002, cementing the city's role in homeland defense and civil support.

What they're saying: "We remember. We have the Watch," NORAD and USNORTHCOM spokesperson Col. Dave Herndon told Axios in a statement marking the anniversary.

Flashforward: At least seven events will honor those killed, those who answered the call and others forever changed by 9/11.

6:30am, Manitou Incline — First responders will gather before a 6:46am climb marking the moment Flight 11 struck the North Tower and honoring the 343 firefighters killed that day. Register here.

The Incline reopens to the public at 9am.

6:30-7:30am, Monument Fire Station 1 — A memorial timed to the attacks on the Twin Towers.

8am, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center — A ceremony with local leaders, followed by a community food distribution at Norris Penrose Event Center's upper lot.

9:45am, Mitchell High School — The school's annual commemoration honors alum Kathryn Yancey LaBorie, a flight attendant killed aboard United Flight 175.

11am-noon, UCCS — The flag will be lowered before a walk to the campus 9/11 memorial for a wreath-laying and moment of silence.

3pm, IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial — City and public safety leaders will gather at Memorial Park, where honor guards will present and recovered World Trade Center steel will be displayed.

Retired CSFD Capt. Patrick Rogacki's brother will discuss Rogacki's deployment to Ground Zero and later death from a 9/11-related illness.

The commemorations are free and open to the public.