America changed irrevocably on September 11, 2001 when terrorism struck in New York, Washington D.C and Pennsylvania. Those of us who lived through that day will never forget it.
Each year people around the country set aside time to remember those who died on that horrific day. We call it Patriot Day.
Remembering 9-11 in Phoenix
Scottsdale
Event: Arizona 9/11 Remembrance & National Day of Service Event
Date: September 10 - 13, 2009
Where: Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
More Information: online
Scheduled activities on Friday, Sept. 11, include morning and evening ceremonies featuring keynote speakers, city and state dignitaries, and patriotic music. On Saturday, Sept. 12, Hangar Prosthetics and Orthotics will host a free 5K Amp walk designed to raise community awareness and support amputees nationwide, and United Blood Services will hold an on-site mobile blood drive. A variety of exhibits will be open to the public throughout the weekend. A 9/11 Memorial Wall with 2,996 full-color, 4x6 inch memorial cards, with biographical information and a photograph of each of the fallen victims will be located in front of the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. Inside the Atrium, the National Unity Flag, standing nearly three-stories high and signed by the entire U.S. Senate in 2002, will be on display, along with a special U.S. Flag Tribute providing a historical perspective of each of our fifty individual flags. Local and national community service agencies will have booths and provide information on how to get involved in by volunteering.
Event: Freedom Walk
Date: September 11, 2009
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Memorial Hall at Steele Indian School Park
More Information: Operation Homefront
Join the Mayor and other special guests for entertainment and a one mile walk around the park lake. There will be a free concert inside the Memorial Hall.
Event: Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance Day
Date: September 13, 2009
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: Carl Hayden Community High School, 3333 West Roosevelt Street, Phoenix
More Information: Call 480-595-8089
The Phoenix Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), the Phoenix Union High School District, and Carl Hayden Community High School Junior ROTC cadets host the 45th Annual Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance ceremony to pay tribute to current active duty and former Arizona veterans who have served in the U.S. armed forces, but to especially recognize those Americans who gave their lives on September 11, 2001. The “Massing” is a colorful and patriotic celebration which honors everyone who has served our nation during war and peace. Patriotic and service organizations from throughout Arizona are invited to show their solidarity with patriots past and present by bringing their flags and banners to the “Massing.” The Arizona National Guard’s 108th Army Band will precede the ceremony with martial music which begins at 2 p.m. Students from Project ChalleNGe will present a special moving tribute that recognizes America’s Prisoners of War (POWs) and those who remain Missing in Action (MIAs). The program will conclude by 3:30 p.m.
Tempe
Event: 9-11 Healing Field
Date: September 10-13, 2009
Time: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Healing Field at Tempe Beach Park
More Information: Online
Join your community leaders, neighbors and friends for a touching walk through the flags and attend the annual program of speakers, memorial service and a candle light vigil. The opening ceremony will begin at 5:40 A.M. on Friday, September 11. The evening ceremony will begin at 7 P.M. on Friday, September 11. The program will include a speaker, patriotic singing and conclude with a candle light vigil. Battery candles will be furnished. The Young Marines will display flag folding and conduct flag retirement ceremonies. The public is encouraged to bring their worn United States flags for proper disposal. United Blood services will hold a blood drive as follows: Friday, Sept. 11 from 7 a.m. to noon; Saturday, Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tempe
Event: Remember 911 5K Run & Fun Walk
Date: September 12, 2009
Time: 5:30 a.m., races start at 6:45 a.m.
Where: Kiwanis Park in Tempe. Follow signs to corporate area near All American Way Bridge.
More Information: online
5K Run/Walk. People with all abilities welcome. This event will benefit Freedom for Life, a non-profit organization dedicated to "motivating and empowering military and others with severe head and spinal chord injuries as well as amputees to re-learn how to live and better, how to Embrace Life."
Mesa
Event: Motorcycles on Main and More
Date: September 11, 2009
Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Mesa
More Information: online
A special 9-11 remembrance and patriotic theme for the 2nd Friday event in Downtown Mesa.
Maricopa
Event: Patriot Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Date: September 11, 2009
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Where: Maricopa Elementary School, 18150 N. Alterra Pkwy
More Information: online
The Maricopa Police Department will present the colors with the accompaniment of the Fire Department's Pipe and Drum Corps. The Honor Guard, in full dress uniform, will perform a spectacular and moving ceremony during which they raise the United States flag. The flag is then dropped to half-staff in honor of Patriot Day. Once the flag has been lowered to half-staff, the students at Maricopa Elementary School will join the Public Safety Department and elected officials for the Pledge of Allegiance. All residents are invited to attend this commemorative event.
In addition to all the firefighting vehicles and memorabilia, you can also see a permanent exhibit at the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting commemorating fallen firefighter heroes, including those that perished on 9/11.
