The Valley Remembers Sept. 11, 2001
Six years ago, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives when hijacked aircraft crashed into the Pentagon, the twin towers of the World Trade Center and a field in southwest Pennsylvania. It is estimated that 20 percent of all Americans knew someone who perished. I don't know what percentage of Arizonans had a personal connection to the tragedy. I do know that many will be coming together at various times and places to honor those who died and honor those who survived, both known and unknown.
Scheduled memorial events include:
- Healing Field at Tempe Beach Park will hold brief commemorations with music and prayer at 5:40 and 6:03 a.m. A candlelight vigil will also be held at 7 p.m. More information is available at www.healingfield.org/.
- First Responders Remembrance at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa will feature speakers Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, Fire Chief Mark Burdick and Police Chief Steven Conrad. Details can be found at www.glendale.com/fire/.
- 9/11 Remembrance Service is a non-denominational service being held at Sun City's Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. Additional information at www.shepherdofthehills.org.
Those needing a more active expression of appreciation can participate in the Freedom Walk or the 3rd Annual Remember 9/11 5K Run/Walk. The Freedom Walk is a 1-mile walk beginning and ending at the Steele Indian School Park Amphitheater in Phoenix. There will also be speakers and entertainment. The event begins at 6:30 p.m and the walk begins an hour later. To register or for more information visit www.operationhomefront.net/Arizona. The 9/11 Remember Run/Walk is a fund-raiser benefiting police and fire personnel and their families through the 100 Club of Arizona. To register or for details www.100club.org/.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 2148 in Scottsdale will be ringing its distinctive bell every hour for 11 hours beginning at 8 a.m. At the same time there will be a flag raising complete with police and fire color guards at the Gilbert Public Safety Complex.
No events are scheduled to take place at Moving Memories the permanent state memorial of the 9/11 tragedy. The memorial was opened last year, however, it has become mired in controversy in recent months.
