CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Wednesday, the nation will pause to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Several events are being planned around the greater Charlotte area.
Charlotte
Romare Bearden Park
The Firefighter Steven Coakley Foundation will host a reflective memorial at Romare Bearden Park.
"Flags of Remembrance" begins at 8:30 am. The memorial will consist of the tolling of a bell at prominent times of 8:46, 9:03, 9:37, 9:59, 10:03 and 10:28. A steel beam from the WTC will be on display. The community is welcome to visit, remember, and be a part of this memorable tribute.
The guest speaker is Rich Scola, who retired from the New York City Fire Department. Rich served as a member of the fire department's Engine 285 / Tower Ladder 142 from 1996 through 2006 and was on duty on 9/11. He was part of the rescue and recovery efforts for the months after 9/11. As a result of the exposure to the toxic environment at the World Trade Center site, he was forced to retire due to medical injuries.
“I think when we say never forget, we're talking to the people who maybe are younger who weren't there trying to remember," one event organizer said. "But for us, I think it's more of a statement that we will never forget. That we're always going to remember where we were, what we were wearing. Who we were surrounded by and the thoughts that came running through our heads.”
The "Flags of Remembrance" will remain in the park until 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Charlotte Knights
The Charlotte Knights want to thank all first responders. They will host First Responders Night for their game against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The game begins at 5:05 p.m. at Truist Field.
Gastonia
Ceremonies will take place at 9 a.m. at two locations: Station 1, which is located at 260 North Myrtle School Road, and Station 4, which is located at 900 Armstrong Road.
Cornelius
The Cornelius Never Forget 9/11 Monument, which includes a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, honors the first responders, citizens, and military personnel who were affected by the events on September 11, 2001, and educates future generations about the events surrounding this day in our nation's history.
The monument is located at Cornelius-Lemley Fire Station #1, which is located at 19729 South Main Street, and is open to the public 24 hours a day.
The Cornelius Fire Department will host an event at Fire Station #1 on Wednesday, Sept. 11th at 8:30am.
Tega Cay
Join us at Firehouse 1 at 8:15 am to stand in solidarity, reflecting on the strength and resilience of our community and the enduring spirit of compassion that binds us all in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001. Learn more.
Other events
If you have an event you would like added, you can text WCNC Charlotte at 704-329-3600.