The following is a list of events planned for this weekend to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. If your church or organization is hosting an event not listed, feel free to add it in the comments section.
Sept. 10
First responders barbecue
There will be a ceremony to honor first responders at 11:30 a.m. at Middleburg United Methodist Church, 15 W. Washington St. Following the service will be a barbecue luncheon. All first responders in the community and their families have been invited. Loudoun County Supervisor Jim Burton (I-Blue Ridge) will be on hand to assist in the presentation of certificates to the honorees. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the service. Any member of the public, other than first responders and family members, who wishes to attend the luncheon may do so by making a small donation to the church. Please RSVP to the Church office at 540-687-6492.
Interfaith Prayer Vigil
There will be an Interfaith Prayer Vigil at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 711 W. Main St., Purcellville. With partnership of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), Bethany United Methodist Church, Beth Chaverim Synagogue and Goose Creek Friends Meeting, St. Andrew Presbyterian hosts an Interfaith Prayer Vigil marking the 10th anniversary of the September 11th tragedy. Call 540-338-4332 for more information.
Sept. 11
Bell ringing and service
Lovettsville Mayor Elaine Walker will ring the bells at St. James United Church of Christ at 10 E. Broad Way to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. As she does every year, Walker will ring the bells at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m. and 10:03 a.m. These times coincide with the plane crashes at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. At 11 a.m., St. James will hold an interfaith service focusing on remembrance with a call to confession, compassion and commitment to renewed listening and community building.
Remembrance ceremony
The Town of Leesburg will hold a remembrance ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at 2 p.m. at Freedom Memorial in Freedom Park, 101 Colonel Granata Circle SE. The ceremony will feature guest speakers Leesburg Police Chief Joseph Price and Deputy Fire Chief Randy Shank, as well as words from Mayor Kristen Umstattd. The Town of Leesburg is also asking residents to observe the designated “National Day of Service and Remembrance” by volunteering, donating time or goods, or simply offering a helping hand during this day of commemoration. In addition to the ceremony, the town’s Freedom Memorial at Freedom Park will be open from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. for those wishing to pay their respects individually. For more information, call 703-777-1368 or visit idalee.org.
Musical service
A 50-voice choir and brass ensemble, formed by volunteers from collaborating Loudoun churches and area musicians, will lead the audience in song during a 9/11 remembrance service at 5 p.m. at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg, 14 Cornwall St. A reception will follow the service. For more information, call 703-777-1124.
Monument dedication
The Town of Purcellville will hold a remembrance program and monument dedication at 6 p.m. at Bush Tabernacle at Fireman’s Field,, 250 S. Nursery Ave. The monument to be dedicated is in honor of the first responders that serve the community. The monument includes a piece of stone from a barn near the Shanksville, Pa., crash site, a piece of steel from the second World Trade Center tower and a flag that flew over the Pentagon.
The Destiny of America: A Baha’i Perspective
Join the Northern Virginia Baha’i Center on Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. for a devotional program in the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The center is located at 21415 Cardinal Glen Circle in Sterling.