SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties will commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with numerous events taking place during the day and evening on Friday, Sept. 11.
Almost 3,000 people were killed in the deadliest terrorist attacks in American history after four planes carrying passengers crashed in various areas across the United States. Two were hijacked to crash into the World Trade Center in New York, with a third flying into the Pentagon in D.C. A fourth plane, presumed to be headed to the White House or the U.S. Capitol, was diverted by passengers though crashed into an empty field in Pennsylvania.
Multiple events are taking place in the tri-county area in commemoration of the first responders, civilians and others who lost their lives during the attacks.
New Hanover County
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity
From 8 a.m. to noon, Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity is having a 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. Volunteers will help build a house in the Haven Place development on Castle Hayne Road. A remembrance ceremony will follow from noon to 12:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public with no registration required; however the organization is no longer accepting volunteers for the morning activities.
Cape Fear Community College
The CFCC North Campus Safety Training Center in Castle Hayne is hosting a Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony starting at 8:30 a.m., with remarks from a retired Roanoke Rapids police chief and current CFCC Department Chair Shane Guyant. There will also be the traditional firefighting “Striking of the Four Fives” bell ceremony, a memorial wreath laying and a remembrance segment from the Wilmington chapter of the NYCPD 10-13.
Wilmington Fire Department
The fire department is hosting an annual remembrance ceremony for the 25th anniversary of 9/11; it is free for the public to attend. The event will take place at the Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial at Fire Station #2 on Park Avenue and will begin at 9 a.m.
USS Battleship North Carolina
The memorial will light up red, white, and blue on the evening of 9/11 in memory of the lives lost in the attacks.
Brunswick County
Veterans of Foreign Wars
From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Blossoms Restaurant Meeting Room, the VFW Post 12196 and Auxiliary will host a roundtable discussion on the events from 9/11, 2001 and their impact on America today. In attendance, there will be representatives from VFW Post 12196, American Legion Post 68, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and Leland Fire Department. The event is open and free to the public.
Southport Police and Southport Fire Departments
The Southport Police Department will have an event with its fire department at 9 a.m. at the fire station on 1011 N. Howe St. in Southport. Event-goers will be able to view a display honoring fallen first responders, including shields for firefighters, police, and EMS. There will also be a reading of the names of the fallen and dispatch recordings played during the event.
American Legion Post 543 and the St. James Fire Department
St. James is hosting a remembrance ceremony at the Wright Event Center, starting at 10 a.m., featuring remarks from newly elected St James Fire Chief Kevin Murphy, also a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Lt. Colonel. The ceremony is free and open to the public and will include St. James firefighters ringing the ceremonial fire bell, a live performance by the Seaside Singers, the performance of “Taps,” a firing party volley and bagpipe music.
Oak Island Veterans of Foreign Wars
There will be a morning service hosted by the Oak Island VFW at 10 a.m. at the E.F. Middleton Park stage. The event will feature a lowering of the flag, prayers and speeches, and a presentation of awards to local first responders.
Town of Sunset Beach and Committee to Honor America’s Veterans
The Town of Sunset Beach is also hosting a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony with the Committee to Honor America’s Veterans. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at Sunset Beach Town Park and is planned to start at 2 p.m.
Pender County
Historic Train Depot
The Town of Burgaw is hosting a day of remembrance for the commemoration of the 9/11 attacks starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Train Depot, 115 S Dickerson St.
Surf City Fitness
Surf City Fitness is hosting an all-day 9/11 stair challenge, with each participant having to pay $10. The participants will climb over 110 stories in honor of the first responders that climbed 110 flights on the day of the attack. The proceeds will go to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a non-profit that honors victims from the 9/11 attacks, first responders, and military veterans. Participants must reserve a spot in advance by calling 910-803-0223.
Surf City Fire Department
Surf City’s fire department is holding a community walk across the Surf City Bridge, beginning at 8:46 a.m. — the time the first tower was hit on 9/11. Community members and first responders will walk as a tribute to each tower strike, and participants are asked to gather at 8 a.m. at Soundside Park. No registration is required and it is free to attend.
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