News

Notes: More than 200 volunteers expected at Alexandria National Cemetery for 9/11 day of service

By Ryan Belmore

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77 degrees. Northeast wind 5 to 9 mph. Mostly cloudy tonight, with a low around 58 degrees. Northeast wind around 6 mph.

🚨 You need to know

Alexandria National Cemetery (staff photo by James Cullum)

More than 200 volunteers are expected to gather at Alexandria National Cemetery this Thursday, September 11, to honor fallen heroes through a meaningful day of service marking the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The volunteer event, organized by national nonprofit Carry The Load, will run from 9 a.m. to noon and focuses on cleaning headstones and beautifying the sacred grounds.

The Alexandria event is part of a nationwide initiative spanning nearly 70 National Cemeteries across the country, where thousands of volunteers will participate in similar acts of remembrance. Registration is free and available at www.carrytheload.org, making it accessible for anyone looking to contribute to this patriotic effort.

“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 seeking to commemorate the day through service rather than just reflection. Since 2019, Carry The Load’s Patriot Day events have drawn thousands of volunteers nationwide, creating a meaningful way for Americans to actively honor the 343 New York City firefighters who died on September 11, 2001, along with other first responders and military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Those interested in participating can register online at the Carry The Load website or simply arrive at Alexandria National Cemetery on Thursday morning ready to serve. The event represents a tangible way for Alexandria residents to transform a day of remembrance into one of active tribute and community service.

What else to know

On this day in 1891: A large fire erupted at the southeast corner of Wythe and St. Asaph Streets in one of the buildings operated as part of Portner’s Brewery, a massive beer and ale bottling and storage complex. The brewery was started in 1864 by Robert Portner, a German-born immigrant who became one of Alexandria’s most prominent citizens. By 1890, Portner’s business produced over 60,000 barrels of his special brews named Vienna Cabinet and Tivoli.

On this day in 1942: The Alexandria City Manager proposed a new board of review to consider the impact of alterations, new construction and demolition of buildings within early sections of the city. This controversial proposal ultimately resulted in the creation of the “Old and Historic Alexandria District” four years later.

Pupatella Neapolitan Pizza opens Monday, Sept. 15 at 700 Slaters Lane in Old Town North after more than two years of planning and redevelopment.

Today at 5 p.m.: Alexandria will celebrate residents who have lived a century or longer during its Centenarian Day Recognition at City Hall (301 King Street). Centenarians who participate will receive certificates honoring their lifetime experiences and achievements. Anyone may attend the free event.

Tonight: The Alexandria City Council returns from its August recess with a packed agenda that includes a proposal to permanently close a section of King Street to vehicular traffic and multiple opioid settlement votes. The Sept. 9 meeting begins at 7 p.m. following a 6:15 p.m. executive session and features 42 agenda items. The most notable item is the introduction and first reading of an ordinance to permanently close the 200 block of King Street to vehicles. Council will also consider resolutions approving the city’s participation in multiple opioid-related settlements, including agreements with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. The meeting will be held in the Council Chamber at 301 King Street and streamed online.

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  5. Alexandria City Council to vote on permanent closure of 200 block of King Street (1,310 views)

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

City of Alexandria Events & Public Meetings

  • 7 a.m.: Old Town Pool Open
  • 9:30 a.m.: Alexandria Electoral Board
  • 3 p.m.: Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Commission
  • 4 p.m.: Minnie Howard Aquatics Facility Open
  • 5 p.m.: Centenarian Day Recognition
  • 6:15 p.m.: City Council Legislative Meeting
  • 7 p.m.: BAR Design Guidelines Committee Meeting
  • 7 p.m.: Commission for Women Meeting
  • 9 p.m.: Commission for Women Executive Board Meeting

Organizing an event? Submit your event to ALXnow’s Event Calendar.

About the Author

  • Ryan Belmore is a journalist based in Alexandria, Virginia. He served as Publisher of ALXnow from March to October 2025. He can be reached at [email protected].