Remembering those lost on 9/11

The American Legion pauses to remember those killed during the terrorist attacks 24 years ago. 

On Sept. 11, The American Legion pauses to remember the terrorist attacks 24 years ago, pay tribute to first responders whose actions that saved countless others and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed. 

Ceremonies across the nation will honor the 2,976 casualties of the 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93. In New York City, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum will host its annual remembrance ceremony. The event will be live-streamed beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the memorial’s Facebook page. Similar remembrances will take place in Arlington, Va., at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoysville, Pa.

Also, multiple American Legion posts and Legion Family members are either hosting, organizing or taking part in 9/11 commemorations. Any Legion posts hosting or taking part in Patriot Day events are encouraged to share those on Legiontown.

Some Legion Family 9/11 commemoration events:

·         American Legion Post 180 in Vienna, Va., is conducting a community event on Vienna Town Green that will include remarks from former Fire Chief Jim Morris, Mayor Linda Colbert and Post 180 Commander Dave Wallace; live music; and the ringing of the bells at the exact times of each plane’s impact.

·         In Jacksonville, American Legion Riders Chapter 372 will host its Fourth Annual 9/11 Memorial Ride on Sept. 14. The community event will honor the memory of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and pay tribute to the servicemembers who answered the call in the subsequent Global War on Terror. Net proceeds from the ride will benefit the Department of Florida’s Project: Vet Relief, which provides no-cost support to Florida’s veterans in crisis.

·         In Lewiston, Mont., American Legion Riders Chapter 16 will receive an escort from first responders down Main Street to Veteran’s Memorial Park for a 9/11 ceremony.

·         In Quincy, Ill., American Legion Post 37 is conducting a remembrance ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial at City Hall. A lunch will then follow for all the volunteers and first responders at the post.

·         In Lexington, Neb., American Legion Post 111 is teaming with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5136 for a free community concert on Sept. 13 at the Lexington Veterans Pavillion at Kirkpatrick Park in remembrance of 9/11 and the Global War on Terrorism.

·         In Johnson City, Tenn., American Legion Post 24 will conduct a service in remembrance of the terrorist attacks at the city’s amphitheater. The ceremony will remember the lives lost during the attacks and will also honor first responders and give out an award to the Johnson City Police Officer of the Year. The focus will be on first responders who were instrumental in helping with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

·         In Oviedo, Fla., Oviedo Memorial Post 243 is hosting a Patriot Day commemoration and flag retirement ceremony as a tribute to 9/11 victims and to honor the first responders who came to their assistance.

·         In Gilbert, Pa., American Legion Post 927 is hosting a community 9/11 remembrance ceremony that will include guest speakers and a light lunch.

·         In Cedar Park, Texas, Hunter-Morris American Legion Post 911 is hosting its annual Sept. 11 remembrance in the amphitheater of Veterans Memorial Park. The ceremony will be emceed by KXAN anchor Jennifer Sanders, while Texas Veterans Land Board Executive Secretary Tony Dale is the keynote speaker.

·         In Newport Beach, Calif., Sons of The American Legion Squadron 291 is presenting a 9/11 Remembrance in the Park at Veterans Park. The event will include Post 291’s color guard, bagpipers, a guest speaker and food.

·         In Mandarin, Fla., American Legion Riders Chapter 372 will host its Fourth Annual 9/11 Memorial Ride on Sept. 14. The ride through Jacksonville honors the memory of those lost on 9/11 and those who joined the U.S. Armed Forces following the attacks and fought in the Global War on Terror. The ride also serves as a fundraiser for the Department of Florida American Legion’s Project: VetRelief.

·         In West Bend, Wis., Lt. Ray Dickop American Legion Post 36 will join the West Bend Fire and Police departments, and city staff at Veterans Plaza for a 9/11 remembrance. The event will include guest speakers, the laying of wreaths, ringing of the memorial bell and a rifle salute by the Post 36 honor guard.

Additionally, more than 60 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cemeteries will host remembrance events that also will include Day of Service volunteer opportunities. Check out the times and locations here.