Immediately following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Americans banded together and pledged they would never forget the lives lost on that dark day in the nation’s history.
Twenty years later, celebrations throughout the United States will make good on that pledge. In Georgia, cities, counties and civic organizations have planned a host of events and remembrances to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11.
Below is a look at September 11 ceremonies around Georgia.
Alpharetta
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The City of Alpharetta and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta will host a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. on the Town Green in Downtown Alpharetta. 2021 marks the milestone 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C. and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This ceremony will commemorate those tragic events as well as honor the courage and sacrifice of first responders.
Mayor Jim Gilvin said, “It is said that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. If so, it is the sacred duty of every American to make sure the people of this great country never forget the horrible attacks that took place on September 11th, 2001. Those of us old enough to remember will never forget the impact that day had on our lives and our nation, but more than 100 million Americans are too young to remember what took place on 9/11. So, as we approach the 20th anniversary of that tragic day, it is more important than ever before that we share our memories of the horrific evil and the amazing heroism that took place on that sunny September morning in 2001. We must never forget, to make sure it never happens again.”
Music will start at 8:15 a.m. and the program will begin at 8:30 a.m. with an Invocation followed by the posting of colors by an honor guard. The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem will then be recited. Next, music and video with images of September 11, 2001, will be played and shown for the audience. A moment of silence will also be observed. Mayor Jim Gilvin is set to give remarks and Alpharetta Department of Public Safety Chief, John Robison, will give the keynote address. The emcee of the program will be William Choate (Cadillac Jack).
The esteemed keynote speaker, Chief John Robison has served in Public Safety for 19 years. Robison began his law enforcement career late in 2001 at the Alpharetta Police Department in Alpharetta, Ga. He left Alpharetta in 2011 to work at the Powder Springs Police Department, becoming Chief of Police in 2015. Robison was fortunate enough to be able to return to Alpharetta in January of 2017 as the Public Safety Chief, where he is currently serving.
Gwinnett County
Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services wants people to reflect on the tragic events and remember the lives lost on 9/11 this Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in front of the County’s Fallen Heroes Memorial.
Representatives from public safety agencies across Gwinnett will join members of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners to provide remarks and share personal stories — including a firsthand account from District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins.
The ceremony will also include a presentation of colors and a ceremonial wreath laying by a combined public safety honor guard.
Members of the public are welcomed to attend, and the service will also be streamed live on the department’s Facebook page @GwinnettFire.
The Fallen Heroes Memorial is located on the grounds of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.
Paulding County
On Saturday, September 11, 2021, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and the Paulding County Fire Department will hold a ceremony at Mt. Tabor Park (at the 9-11 memorial site) honoring the men and women who gave their lives to help others on one unforgettable day, 9/11/2001. As a precaution, social distancing will be practiced at this outdoor event.
Valdosta
In remembrance of the events that transpired on September 11, 2001, and in recognition of the 20th anniversary, The Valdosta Fire Department will host a 9/11 Memorial 5K Run on September 11, 2021. The event is meant to pay homage to those who lost their lives or the lives of loved ones and to acknowledge all the brave first responders on scene that day.
Members of the Fire Department hope to make this event an annual occurrence to honor all the fallen public service members. “Twenty years ago, our lives were forever changed. We wanted to create an event that would help remember the lives lost on 9/11, acknowledge those who are still impacted today, and showcase the pride we have for our country,” said Valdosta Fire Corporal Melissa Roe.
Hall County
Memorial Park South Funeral Home and Cemetery along with Hall County Fire Services would like to invite you to attend a memorial service commemorating the 20 year anniversary of 9/11.
Everyone is invited to attend this event, which will begin at 8:30am on Saturday, September 11th at Memorial Park South Cemetery, located at 4121 Falcon Parkway Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542. Those not able to attend can watch the ceremony live on https://vimeo.com/600798330.
Johns Creek
The community is invited to attend a Patriot Day commemoration event in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The event, presented in partnership with the Rotary Club of Johns Creek and the Rotary Club of Johns Creek – North Fulton, is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church (2850 Old Alabama Road.)
The free event will honor the survivors and the people and the first responders and will include remarks by Lt Gen Glenn Spears, USAF, Ret., resident and Twin Towers survivor Beth Zampieri, and Commander Kimberly George, USN, with musical performances by the Autrey Mill Middle School Chorus and Brent Davis, Baritone Soloist. The Johns Creek Fire and Police departments will also participate in the event.
Stockbridge
Join the City of Stockbridge on this Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 8 a.m. for its 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. This event is free and open to all. As a COVID-19 precaution, masks are required.
The event will be held at Stockbridge City Hall, at the intersection of N. Henry Blvd. and E. Atlanta Road.
Forsyth County
As the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches, you can learn about the history behind the event at the Forsyth County Public Library exhibit: September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World now through Sept. 24 at the Cumming Library.
Told across 14 posters, this exhibition explores the consequences of terrorism on all levels of local and international society and includes archival photographs and images of artifacts from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s permanent collection.
Cobb County
A memorial ceremony will be held on 7:55 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Field of Flags event in front of the Visitors Center Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park commemorating those lost in the 9/11 attacks.
Organized by the Kiwanis Club of Marietta through the Marietta Kiwanis Foundation, the 9/11 Field of Flags is displayed every five years and has become one of the largest commemorative events in the nation. The display continues through Sept. 18. For more information about the event and specific activities, go to 911fieldofflags.com.
Columbia County
“FREEDOM”: In light of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, “Freedom” is a tribute to America and a reminder of what we have so bravely endured as a country – the lives lost, the hurting loved ones, the victories won, and the freedoms obtained.
The concept of the ballet takes us on a journey, beginning intensely with tragedy, struggle, and war. It then takes an emotional turn of remembering what we’ve been through, honoring those who have so bravely and selflessly served our country, and praying for the future of our great nation. The ballet then concludes in celebrating both the freedom we have as a country and also the spiritual freedom we have received in Jesus Christ.
The event will be held Saturday evening at 6:45 p.m. at the Columbia County Amphitheater.
Peachtree City
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 events. Please join us for a Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday 9/11 at 8:30 am at City Hall.
Glynn County
Woodmen of the World Chapter 320 and Glynn County Fire Rescue are privileged to host a ceremony to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Glynn County Fire Rescue Station 8, 141 Carl Alexander Way, off Spur 25.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will be the keynote speaker at the event.
All Firefighters, Paramedics, EMTs, Law Enforcement Officers, and Military personnel, active and retired, are encouraged to attend. Additionally, families and all members of the public are invited to attend.
This event is open to the public.
