Area events recognizing anniversary of 9/11
Ceremonies, fundraisers, a blood drive held to honor 3,000 lives lost in terrorist attacks 20 years ago
Twenty years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, area communities are preparing to remember the events that changed the world and shook our nation.
On that day, nearly 3,000 people were killed as 19 al-Qaida hijackers seized control of four jetliners, sending two of the planes into New York's World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon and the fourth into a field in western Pennsylvania.
Sept. 11 falls on a Saturday this year. Take some time to stop by one of these community events.
Milwaukee War Memorial
The War Memorial Center, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, will have a full day of programming on Sept. 11 commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
The War Memorial Center will begin the day with the annual Milwaukee County Remembers 9/11 Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Afterward, the Never Forget exhibit, a memorial to those died in the 9/11 attacks, will be opened and dedicated at 10 a.m.
The Medal of Honor Commemorative Ride Honoring 9/11 is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 11 at Milwaukee's War Memorial Center, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive.
This ride will be led by Medal of Honor recipient Gary Wetzel and War Memorial Center President/CEO Dan Buttery. The ride will leave the war memorial and end in Kewaskum at the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial, 1308 Fond Du Lac Ave.
For more information on this free event, visit warmemorialcenter.org.
Lisbon
Lisbon's 20th anniversary 9/11 memorial event is 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 11 at Lisbon Town Hall, W234-N8676 Woodside Road.
The event will include bagpipe music, an overview of Lisbon's 9/11 project history and speakers, including Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, 9/11 responder Diane Matuszak and the Rev, Florin Docca of Agape Community Church.
Water and cupcakes will be provided. This event is free. For more information, visit www.townoflisbonwi.com.
Menomonee Falls
Fire department open house and remembrance: Menomonee Falls Fire Department Station 3, W140 N7501 Lilly Road, will host a 20-year remembrance with speakers beginning at 8 a.m. Sept. 11. After the event, there will be an open house of the fire station from 9 a.m. to noon.
Remembrance church service: Falls Baptist Church, N69 W12703 Appleton Ave., Menomonee Falls, will host a special church service at 10:45 a.m. Sept. 12. According to its website, it will be a day to remember those who lost their lives and to pay tribute to rescue workers. The event will include a Bible message and patriotic gospel music. An indoor barbecue is planned for after the service. RSVP is recommended at www.fallsbaptist.org/neverforget.
Mukwonago
The Mukwonago High School Social Studies Department and the history club are preparing commemorations for the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Community members are invited to share their experiences using a form at bit.ly/MHS9112001.
On Sept. 8, MHS students and teachers will construct a display featuring nearly 3,000 American flags to represent the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. The display will include flags, pictures and the names of all those killed in the terrorist attacks and will be set up in front of Mukwonago High School, 605 W. Veterans Way, Mukwonago. Community members are invited to drive or walk past the display until its conclusion on Thursday, Sept. 16. For more information about these commemorations, contact Maura Frenn at frennma@masd .k12.wi.us or call 262-363-6200 ext. 25222.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee Remembers the Heroes of 9/11 Blood Drive: People are encouraged to give blood in honor of the 9/11 heroes at a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11 in the Palm Garden and 102 Ballroom at the Wisconsin Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee.
Donors will get a limited 20th anniversary 9/11 T-shirt while supplies last. To make an appointment, visit bit.ly/3secI0Q.
Art gallery fundraiser to honor first responders: At this art gallery fundraising experience, photographers Scott Carnahan & JJ Johnson will showcase images of local firefighters. Several large prints will be available for bid.
This free event is scheduled for 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Story Hill Firehouse, 407 N. Hawley Road, Milwaukee. There will be a full cash/credit bar with donated appetizers. Proceeds will be donated to Ignite The Spirit Milwaukee and Milwaukee Fire Honor Guard Inc.
For more information and to register, visit www.bit.ly/911milwaukee photography.