Local Places and Ways to Honor September 11

Tuesday is September 11 - the 11th anniverary of the worst terrorist act on U.S. soil.

Want to remember and reflect today? Here are some places to do so:

Fairfax County will host a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, Fire Chief Ronald L. Mastin and Police Chief Col. David M. Rohrer are scheduled to deliver remarks reflecting upon the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The Public Safety Honor Guard and Fairfax County Carolers will also be participating in the ceremony.

The public is invited to attend; please arrive by 8:15 a.m. The ceremony will take place in the Government Center Forum, followed by a procession outside to the 9/11 Memorial Grove (weather permitting).

The Fairfax County Memorial Grove was the first U.S. memorial commemorating the attacks on September 11, 2001, to be built on public space involving federal and local government collaboration with the community in an area where residents were personally affected by the tragedy through loss of life or participation in rescue efforts. It was designed by National Park Service landscape architect and Fairfax County Tree Commissioner Michael McMahon.

The Memorial Grove is located on the grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center.

• Read more about symbolism of grove.
• Map and directions to the Government Center.

George Mason University

There will be a September 11 commemorative event this Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Mason Pond on Campus. There will be 2,996 illumanarias displayed to honor each person who lost their life on September 11.  At 9:11 p.m., there will be a moment of silence to remember the victims and then a floating lantern for each country (60) who lost citizens in the terrorist attacks.  

Vienna Sept, 11 Commemoration Event

The Town of Vienna’s annual “A Day to Remember” community commemoration of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, on the grounds of the historic Freeman House, 131 Church Street NE.

Mark W. Mishoe, Chief Warrant Officer Five with the Army National Guard, will be the keynote speaker. The public is invited to remember those who lost their lives and to show support for those engaged in the ongoing fight against terrorism. “A Day to Remember” is sponsored by Vienna’s American Legion Post 180 in cooperation with the Town of Vienna.

Pentagon Memorial

The Pentagon Memorial is free and open 24 hours a day. It is located at 1 Rotary Road on the Pentagon reservation in Arlington. No formal services are planned, but the community is welcome to visit the memorial.   

Reston's Freedom Grove

In 2002, Reston Association  dedicated Freedom Grove,  a section along a path at to Norma Cruz Khan and Leonard Taylor, Restonians who were aboard American Airlines Flight 77, which hijackers crashed into the Pentagon on that terrible day in American history.

It is a peaceful spot to stop and think about the victims and their families.

Day of Service

Also, since 2009, September 11 has been designated as a day of service. Read more about it here, or contact your favorite local nonprofit, school or other organization that can use your help if you want to volunteer your time.

Also, check out this McLean