Fort Liberty marks 22 years since 9/11: Guide to volunteer projects, events in the Triangle
Monday makes 22 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Whether you're looking for a way to give back or a way to observe and honor the sacrifices made that day, here is a list of ways to commemorate 9/11 in the Triangle.
Fort Liberty marks 22 years since 9/11
At Fort Liberty on Monday, the Army post marked 22 years since the 9/11 attacks, a day that changed the world, especially for men and women serving our country.
On Monday, standing underneath a cauldron forged from steel from the World Trade Center, Fort Liberty commanders reminded the crowd of that sacrifice and of the fight they say in many ways is still ongoing.
The service began with the national anthem and a prayer, with soldiers standing at attention and solemn salutes.
In attendance were the post’s top commanders, past and present.
Speaking at the podium, Commanding General Christopher Donnahue said it was a day to honor the sacrifice of those who lost their lives that day and in the wars since.
"Are we living up to the people that we described? It does not matter where it is, or what happens, we have to live up to that," he said.
In the wake of 9/11, more troops were deployed from Fort Liberty to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan than any other Army post.
Volunteer for Activate Good's 9/11 Day of Service
Thousands will volunteer across the Triangle on Monday to commemorate 9/11 in a day of service 00 their way of bringing light and community to such a dark day in our nation's history.
Each year, Activate Good partners with community groups and non-profits to host a wide variety of volunteer projects
Today, there are dozens of ways to make an impact:
- Deliver food to seniors with Meals on Wheels
- Make blankets for WakeMed patients
- Pack kits for students in need
- Clean up community centers that provide services for kids and families around the Triangle
- Wrap fresh diapers and pull-ups for delivery to families in need
- Clean up Jordan Lake or various waterways around the Triangle
- Paint the lobby and spruce up Safe Haven for Cats
- Help the Special Olympics with data entry or warehouse assistance
- Be a social media ambassador and photograph some of these volunteer events!
There's also an evening shift at 6 p.m. for those who can't make it during the day. Sign up to volunteer or learn more at the Activate Good website.
Honor and commemorate with the Raleigh and Wake County Fire Departments
The Raleigh Fire Department will join Wake County fire departments to observe, honor and remember the sacrifices of the civilian and uniformed victims of the terrorist attacks. Here’s the timetable:
- At 8:40-8:45 a.m. Personnel will gather and fire apparatus operators will activate warning lights on all units.
- At 8:46 a.m. ECC alert tone and announcement will be heard on radios, which will be followed by a 1-minute moment of silence. (8:46 a.m. was the time Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower).
- The Raleigh Police Department will also observe a moment of silence in front of district stations at 8:46 a.m.
Visit a piece of the World Trade Center in Pittsboro and have a moment of silence
For those of us in North Carolina who have never had the opportunity to see Ground Zero and pause for a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11, there is a place in our state where you can connect with a small piece of the World Trade Center.
Many locals remember the exact moment – exactly what we were doing, where we were standing when we first heard news of the plane striking the North Tower. In Pittsboro, a steel beam from that tower, still bearing the original white markings "J75/4," serves as a memorial, a tangible piece of that morning. The beam leans 9 degrees and 11 minutes, facing directly towards its home at Ground Zero in New York City. Small chunks of concrete are still attached.
Nearby, a concrete sign reads, "We shall never forget." Another engraving reads, "444 miles to Ground Zero."
Keep Raleigh's parks and trails beautiful
Volunteers can help Raleigh Parks, Stormwater Staff and fellow community members clean up litter on the Walnut Creek Trail during the September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance.
The volunteer project runs from 9 a.m. until noon. Learn more or register to volunteer on the City of Raleigh's website.
National Guard holds memorial ceremony in Raleigh
The North Carolina National Guard will hold a memorial ceremony in Raleigh starting at 8:45 a.m.
The event will take place at the Joint Force Headquarters on Gold Star Drive.
Fuquay-Varina hosts Day of Remembrance
On Monday at 8:30 a.m., people will gather at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center to pay tribute to the victims and honor the survivors of the 9/11 attacks.
The service features community speakers, including members of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department and Fire Department, as well as patriotic music.
Look on their website to learn more.
Chapel Hill Fire Department hosts 9/11 ceremony and pancake breakfast
The Chapel Hill Fire Department is hosting a 9/11 ceremony and pancake breakfast Monday from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion Post 6.
The address is 3700 NC Highway 54 West.
Learn more on the Chapel Hill Fire Department's Facebook page.
Rocky Mount hosts annual 9/11 ceremony
Rocky Mount is holding its annual ceremony remembering those who were lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Mayor Sandy Roberson will read a proclamation. Fire Chief Darvin Moore and Police Chief Robert Hassell also will deliver remarks. The Fire Department Honor Guard also will be involved in the ceremony.
The ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. at the Plaza, near the flag poles outside the Frederick E. Turnage Municipal Building at 331 S. Franklin St.
Raleigh Chamber hosts First Responders Appreciation Breakfast: Streaming live on WRAL.com
The Raleigh Chamber is hosting a First Responders Appreciation Breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
The event is sold out, but will be streaming live on WRAL.com so the public can watch the program, which includes a keynote presentation from North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe, Jr. and awards to heroes from each department for outstanding service in the previous year.
The event allows local businesses to show appreciation for those who risk their lives to save others.
The program begins at 7:40 a.m. and runs until 9:30 a.m. More event details can be found on the Raleigh Chamber website.
