The City of Alexandria will commemorate the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Thursday, Sept. 11, with a remembrance ceremony at City Hall and a volunteer service project at Alexandria National Cemetery.
More than 200 volunteers are expected to gather at Alexandria National Cemetery from 9 a.m. to noon to clean headstones and beautify the grounds. The volunteer event is organized by Carry The Load, a national nonprofit, and is part of a nationwide initiative spanning nearly 70 national cemeteries where thousands of volunteers will participate in similar acts of remembrance.
“Patriot Day is a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice shown by our first responders and military on 9/11 and beyond,” said Stephen Holley, co-founder and CEO of Carry The Load and veteran U.S. Navy SEAL. “By coming together to serve our communities and honor stories of the fallen, we ensure their legacy lives on, and we remind ourselves that freedom is never free.”
The volunteer opportunity welcomes participants from all walks of life, including corporate teams, community youth organizations, families, and individuals. Since 2019, Carry The Load’s Patriot Day events have drawn thousands of volunteers nationwide to honor the 343 New York City firefighters who died Sept. 11, 2001, along with other first responders and military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Registration is free at www.carrytheload.org. Those interested can also arrive at Alexandria National Cemetery on Thursday morning, ready to serve.
The city’s remembrance ceremony will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. at City Hall, honoring those who died and those who responded during the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. The ceremony will remember those killed, those who survived, and all who were affected, according to a city announcement. The event will also show gratitude to those who risked or gave their lives while responding to save others.
The program will include a presentation of colors, remarks by Mayor Alyia Gaskins and public safety officials, and a return to quarters ceremony. City officials and staff will join community members for the observance.
If inclement weather occurs, the ceremony will move inside City Hall.
The city is providing free interpretation and translation services for those who prefer communication in another language. Residents can email [email protected] or call 703-746-3960.
For disability accommodations, contact Daniel Guzman at [email protected] or 703-746-5419, Virginia Relay 711.
