9/11 tribute: Raleigh woman runs for 9 hours, 11 minutes to raise money for veteran suicide prevention

Friday marks 19 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Across the Triangle, we've seen emotional ceremonies and personal tributes to recognize those who died and those who helped save lives 19 years ago.

Gov. Roy Cooper ordered all state and U.S. flags to be lowered. At 8:30 a.m., the governor spoke at the North Carolina National Guard Remembrance Ceremony.

"That day on Sept. 11, we were overwhelmed with what we learned about terror, fear and outrage, but also the spirit of sacrifice and service that united our nation," Cooper said. "Today we mourn those who died and remain grateful to the service of those who rushed to help."

Raleigh woman runs two marathons on 9/11 for suicide prevention

For one woman in Raleigh, her 9/11 tribute is a personal challenge.

She essentially ran two marathons in one day to raise awareness and money.

At 9:11 this morning, Rachel Zeilbor started running around the track at Meredith College wearing a pair of star-spangled shorts.

Her mission: Run for 9 hours and 11 minutes in honor of the somber date.

Her parents are both retired military and her run is a fundraiser to help prevent suicide among veterans and first responders.

The Bravo Alpha Initiative provides educational programs to deal with post traumatic stress.

"Her longest run is 31 miles," said Duston Canestorp of Bravo Alpha. "Her goal is to beat me and at least hit 50 miles. So, I kind of like how the synergies kind of lined up and at the same time raising money for a good cause."

Proceeds to to help military and first responders cope with stress and prevent suicide.

If you'd like to donate, go to the website for Operation Run for Their Lives through the end of September.​

Downtown Raleigh's memorial service for 9/11

This morning the Tar Heel detachment of the 733 Marine Corps League held a 9/11 memorial ceremony at Bicentennial Plaza between the state capitol and legislative building.

They gathered with law enforcement and other first responders to pay tribute to those who rushed into danger, instead of away from it 19 years ago.

They compared that day to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, which pulled the United States into World War Two.

Comparing the day's tragedy and prominence with Pearl Harbor, Bruce Goeden of the 733 Marine Corps League Commandant said, "Like December 7, 1941, September 11 will forever be a day that will live in infamy.  On that day terrorists took the lives of 2977 innocent Americans who were simply going about their daily lives."

"On that day America was changed," he said.

The ceremony included bagpipes and a call for Americans to be vigilant and prepared, not only for those who wish to hurt us, but also hate from within.

Memorial service in Kinston at Pearson Park

In Kinston, a memorial service took place at Pearson Park at 9 a.m. Attendees were asked to wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

Wake Tech Community College commemorates 9/11 with wreath laying

At noon, Wake Technical Community College will commemorate 9/11 with a special tribute and wreath laying at the Public Safety Education Campus at 321 Chapanoke Road, between Wilmington Street and Hammond Road in Raleigh.

9/11 tributes in NYC and at the Pentagon

In New York, a dispute over coronavirus-safety precautions is leading to split-screen remembrances Friday, one at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza at the World Trade Center and another on a nearby corner. The Pentagon's observance will be so restricted that not even victims' families can attend, though small groups can visit the memorial there later in the day.