WYTHE COUNTY, Va. – The community is invited to come together to remember the lives lost, honor those who responded and reflect on the lasting impact of Sept. 11, 2001, during a special 25th anniversary memorial ceremony.
The 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, presented by the local 9/11 Committee, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Wytheville Meeting Center. The event marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks that claimed 2,977 lives and forever changed the nation.
WDBJ7 journalist and Army veteran Melissa Gaona will give the keynote address. Gaona anchors WDBJ7's 4 and 5 p.m. newscasts and produces "Hometown Veterans: Honoring Our Heroes," a special series sharing the stories of local veterans and their service to the nation.
The ceremony will include patriotic music, the posting of colors, the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, an Armed Services Salute, special musical selections and reflections. The program will conclude with a 21-gun salute, taps, the retiring of colors and "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes.
Law enforcement, first responders, veterans, local officials and community members will take part in the ceremony. Participants include the Virginia State Police, American Legion, Wythe County Community College Band, Sheriff Anthony Cline, Chief Joel Hash, Congressman Morgan Griffith and local clergy.
The ceremony provides an opportunity for the community to remember those who lost their lives in New York City, at the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, while also recognizing the courage and sacrifice of first responders, members of the military and ordinary citizens in the days and years that followed.
The event is free and open to the public.
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