
SOUTHEASTERN N.C — Multiple 9/11 remembrance ceremonies are set to recognize the 22nd anniversary of one of America’s darkest days.
Sept. 11, 2001 market a multi-targeted terrorist attack, with two planes hitting the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center and another striking Pentagon in Washington D.C. Two attacks were slated for the nation’s capital that day, though a fourth plane crashed into a rural Pennsylvania field, following a passenger revolt.
Almost 3,000 people died as a result.
Annually, ceremonies are held in the region to recognize first-responders and those that lost their lives. Here is what is planned across the region for Monday, Sept. 11.
Wilmington Fire Department Remembrance Ceremony
The Wilmington Fire Department is hosting its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Monday at the Wilmington Fallen Firefighters Memorial located next to WFD station 2 at Empie Park(3403 Park Avenue). The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and it’s open to the public.
A keynote address will be given by Raleigh Fire Department Battalion Chief Dena Ali. The ceremony will also include the WFD Honor guard raising the 9/11 remembrance flag with dignitaries offering brief remarks.
A livestream will be available on the City of Wilmington’s Facebook page here.
Cape Fear Community College
Cape Fear Community College invites the community to its north campus at 8:30 a.m. Monday. The ceremony will be held at the Cape Fear Community College’s Safety Training Center at 4500 Blue Clay Road.
The ceremony will begin with welcome remarks from Jim Morton, CFCC president. Other events to take place during the ceremony include: Striking of the Four Fives, Laying of the Memorial Wreath, and remarks delivered by Chris Nelson, CFCC Fire and Rescue Program Director.
Surf City 9/11 Bridge Walk
The Surf City Fire Department is hosting the fourth annual 9/11 Bridge Walk to honor all lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. The community is invited to meet at Soundside Park (517 Roland Avenue) at 8:15 a.m. on Monday.
The walk will start at the park, move across the surf city bridge, and end at the park. The walk will begin at 8:46 a.m. to remember the moment the first plane struck the Twin Towers.
American Legion Post 543 Remembrance Ceremony
The St. James Fire Department is partnering with the American Legion Post 543 to host a 9/11 ceremony. The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday at the St. James Community Center (4136 Southport supply rd. SE). Retired FDNY Captain Pat Cleary will share some memories of escaping the North Tower moments before the building fell.
The ceremony is open to the public.
University of North Carolina Wilmington
The UNCW Student Veterans Organization has planned a 9/11 ceremony, scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday. It will take place on the lawn in front of Veterans hall. The event is open to the public.
Southport Fire Department
The Southport Fire Department members will display 343 fire boots to remember the first responders who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country on 9/11. The ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. at the department headquarters, located at 1011 N. Howe St. in Southport.
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