Press Release — September 11, 2026

September 11, 2026 Remembrance Press Release

Democratic Candidate and United States Marine, Jonny Larsen recalls his experience during Sept. 11, 2001

JONNY LARSEN RECALLS THE EVENTS IN WASHINGTON DC AS WE REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s 4th District congressional candidate and United States Marine combat veteran Jonny Larsen recalls the events that took place on September 11, 2001, while he was stationed in Washington, D.C.

“I remember watching TV with fellow Marines as the events unfolded in New York City that morning,” Larsen remembers.

“I looked out of the window of the room we were in, which happened to be one of the few that had a view toward the Pentagon, and we saw billows of smoke rolling up into the sky.”

Larsen’s first duty station was with 8th & I Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., where infantry Marines traditionally serve to provide ceremonial honors.

“Within moments, our platoon sergeant gave the order to gear up and get ready for combat. We had no idea what was going on, but we were ready for the call, no matter what.”

A month later, Larsen served on the honor detail at a Pentagon ceremony marking one month after the attacks and honoring the fallen. He went on to participate in several remembrance ceremonies. For the first anniversary ceremony in 2002, he was chosen as one of a select few to travel to New York City after the rubble at Ground Zero had been cleared.

Larsen and fellow service members from across the armed forces also participated in flag duty, representing nations around the world friendly to the United States.

“It was my first time visiting the city, and I got to see the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park and meet with uniformed NYPD motorcycle officers. It was a time when Americans were united, rather than divided by our beliefs or political differences. Twenty five years later, I still believe we can be that country.”

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Larsen deployed to Iraq twice. His first deployment was with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, where he participated in the invasion of Iraq and, in April 2003, helped tear down Saddam Hussein’s statue in Baghdad.

Larsen returned to Iraq with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, where he fought in the Battle of Husaybah, a precursor to the First Battle of Fallujah. He was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant, earning the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, and Navy Unit Commendation.

Jonny Larsen is a United States Marine combat veteran running for Congress in Utah’s 4th District.