9/11 20th anniversary events happening throughout Oklahoma
Each year to commemorate 9/11, Americans come together to mark the events of that day and the time following it, honoring both those lost and the survivors. Oklahoma too remembers, and as the 20th anniversary arrives there are a few ways to be involved.
Edmond Fire and Police Memorial Stair Climb and 5K
The public can join a 110-story climb with the Edmond Fire Department in the Edmond North High School football stadium bleachers or a 5k walk/run with the Edmond Police Department using the stadium track.
The event is free to attend, but participants are asked to register online in advance.
Edmond is also calling on other law enforcement, military, firefighters and other first responders from surrounding areas to join in the event.
“Any of those men and women who attend are encouraged to participate wearing their uniforms and gear to honor all first responders who answered the call that day 20 years ago,” said a statement from Emily Ward, public information officer for the Edmond Police Department.
The Edmond North High School stadium is at 215 W Danforth Road.
OKC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
The 10th Annual OKC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will benefit the Oklahoma Firefighters Foundation. In this event, 343 firefighters and 61 law enforcement officers will ascend 110 floors at Moses F. Miller Stadium to honor the 343 New York City firefighters, 23 New York City police officers, 37 Port Authority officers and one New York Fire Patrol member lost in the attacks.
The event is open to active or retired firefighters, including volunteers and active or retired members of law enforcement agencies. More climbers are still needed and registration is available online. The event kicks off with packet pick-up at 7 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a ceremony before the climb begins.
Family, friends and the public are welcome to watch, support and cheer on those participating. Donations are also being accepted.
Moses F. Miller Stadium is at 914 N Martin Luther King Ave.
9/11 20th Year Memorial Service
A commemoration event will be held in Bartlesville’s downtown Unity Square to remember 9/11. The event is slated to include a flag planting, opening comments, 21-gun salute and flag retirement. It will begin at 9 a.m.
Unity Square is at 300 SE Adams Blvd.
2021 9/11 Heroes Run
This event actually takes place one week after the
anniversary of 9/11 on Sept. 18.
Each year events are held across the country on or near the anniversary of 9/11 to “unite communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11th and the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian and military.”
This year the event will come to the town of Fletcher, about 20 miles northeast of Lawton.
The race is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Fletcher Community Center. Registration for the event is available online and it is open to people of all ages and skill levels. Both virtual and online participation options are available.
The Fletcher Community Center is at 504 Cole Ave.
The ‘9/11: Never Forget’ Museum Exhibit
This permanent museum exhibit at the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum in Hobart is a chance to step back in time and get a firsthand look at the events that happened on 9/11.
The exhibit includes a steel interior I-beam from the World Trade Center, alongside other items from the time, including uniforms of firefighters and military personnel. Multimedia displays and videos encourage visitors to immerse themselves in an interactive experience of history as it unfolded that day and in the years following the attacks.
Museum admission is free and the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult in the museum and groups are currently limited to 10 people at a time, with masks and social distancing encouraged.
The General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum is at 507 S Main.