Hundreds gathered Friday morning for the largest remembrance ceremony outside of New York.
For retired New York Fireman Andy Isolano, it's a day that changed his life forever.
Isolano lost 13 close friends, hundreds of fellow first responders and the job he loved.
The lung damage he suffered forced him to step away and retire.
Every day, he carries the pain.
"I always feel like it should be getting easier, but it doesn't get any easier as a matter of fact," he said. "Obviously, with 25 years, is actually a little harder. It's amazing to believe it's been that long."
Isolano attended the first ceremony held in December of 2001 in Clovis.
He returned to share his story 25 years later.
The California 9-11 Memorial Ceremony was held at "Never Forget Lane" off of Peach and Dakota.
Action News Anchor Margot Kim sang the national anthem.