It’s hard to believe, but today is the twelve-year anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Yes, twelve years ago, the country held their breath as the worst-ever terrorist attack on American soil took out the Twin Towers in New York and part of the Pentagon in Northern Virginia. It’s a day that every American will forever remember where they were and what they were doing when this horrible tragedy struck.
It’s a day that, hopefully, we’ll never, ever have to relive again.
While we hope that we never will have to relive it, it’s nevertheless important that we never forget it. As such, in 2009, Congress made it an official national day of remembrance.
Here’s a list of events planned around the D.C. area paying tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001:
Presidential Proclamation—Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance
All day, everywhere.
Since December of 2001, 9/11 has henceforth become known as Patriot Day. President Barack Obama has declared today a “National Day of Service and Remembrance.” At 8:46 a.m., President Obama led Americans in a moment of silence “to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.”
Seen on C-SPAN: White House Moment of Silence #September11 #NeverForget http://t.co/SkCFxL6HhU
— CSPAN (@cspan) September 11, 2013
Congressional Remembrance Ceremony
11 a.m., East Front, Center Steps of the Capitol.
The annual Congressional Remembrance Ceremony on the east front and center steps of the Capitol will reportedly last about a half hour.
Alexandria Remembrance Ceremony
10 a.m., Market Square (301 King Street)
Alexandria’s Remembrance Ceremony will feature “remarks from Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, Police Chief Earl Cook, and Fire Chief Adam K. Thiel. The tribute includes the ‘Return to Quarters’ bell-ringing ceremony, featuring representatives from Fire, EMS, Police, and the Sheriff’s Office.”
8:30 a.m., Crystal City, starting on 23rd Street between S. Fern and S. Eads
This year’s race will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation, a United States Army Staff Sergeant who was critically injured during a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Moment of Silence and Flags Across Arlington
9:37 a.m., Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.
A moment of silence will be held to remember the 184 victims of the Pentagon attack at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Million American March Against Fear
Noon, The National Mall
Originally called the Million Muslim March, The American Muslim Political Action Committee organized this peaceful rally against fear that aims to “tell our Government leaders we want transparency and policies of peace.” The march will begin on The National Mall before to Congress, the Supreme Court, and then the White House.
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Russell Senate Office Building
The blood drive is part of a nationwide effort to collect 11,000 units of blood.
8 a.m., Harley Davidson of Washington, 9407 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, Md.
Planned as a response to the Million American March Against Fear, the Two Million Bikers Ride will begin at 8 a.m. at the Fort Washington Harley Davidson store, where the opening events commence. The ride, which will memorialize the victims of 9/11, will kick off at 11 a.m. and make its way through the D.C. area, despite not having any permits.
Arlington County Commemoration Ceremony
9:30 a.m., Courthouse Plaza
Arlington County is holding a ceremony to commemorate the 184 victims who lost their lives at the Pentagon on 9/11. Sheriff Beth Arthur, Chief of Police M. Douglas Scott, and Fire Chief James Schwartz will lead a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m., after which “Taps” will be played and the flag will be lowered to half-staff.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, Area Leaders Discuss Post-9/11 Emergency Preparedness Progress, Future Challenges in D.C. Region
Noon, Council of Governments Board Room, 3rd Floor (777 North Capitol Street, NE)
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton will lead a meeting with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Board of Directors to discuss progress in emergency preparedness in the D.C. region to help prevent future disasters like this from happening again.
