More than a dozen events are planned through Michigan to mark 9/11 — the date in 2001 in which nearly 3,000 people, including first responders, died in four coordinated the suicide terrorist attacks — at war memorials, parks, city halls, fire stations and college campuses.
Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts, plans to gather Friday throughout the state at flagpoles and memorials in Albion, Brighton, Dundee, Delton, Farmington, Grand Rapids, Hamilton, Madison Heights, Muskegon, Riverview and Traverse City.
Terrorists sought to retaliate against U.S. foreign policy and a military presence in the Middle East by sending a worldwide message on Sept. 11, 2001, that America — despite its financial, military and political might — was vulnerable.
The terrorists hijacked four jets, flying two — aiming one at each of the World Trade Center's twin towers in New York City — and one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. A fourth jet, likely aimed at the U.S. Capitol or White House, was brought down in a field in rural Pennsylvania after passengers wrestled control of the plane.
The remembrances aim to honor those who died in the attacks, and, event organizers also told the Free Press, they are a testament to national resolve and a hope that Americans, now, despite differences, come together to memorialize the dead.
Here are many of the events:
Wayne State 'grief into good' event
To commemorate the day, nonprofit group is seeking volunteers to help to pack meals from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wayne State University's field house, 1290 W. Warren Ave. The group was started by two guys — David Paine and Jay Winuk, whose brother, Glenn, died in the World Trade Center tower collapse — who hoped good could come from loss.
Holly community day, blood drive
Holly plans to commemorate 9/11 with activities from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holly Fire Department, 414 N. Saginaw St., with a formal ceremony at 8:30 a.m. The event, organizers said, includes health screenings, a blood drive and the reading of the names of 343 New York firefighters who sacrificed their lives to rescue others.
Warren Patriot Day observance
To commemorate the anniversary, the city is planning an honor guard and bagpipe tribute starting at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall, One City Square. The doors are set to open at 8:15 a.m. with tributes from city officials, including representatives from the police, fire and public service departments.
Grosse Pointe memorial service
At 8:30 a.m., dignitaries plan to hold a ceremony of reflection on the lakefront lawn of the historic Alger House at the War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Dr., in Grosse Pointe Farms to memorialize 19 people — including Todd Beamer, a Flint native who helped resist the attacks — who were born or grew up in Michigan. Online registration is urged.
Lansing flag tribute, ceremony
Lansing plans to hold a ceremony at 8:30 a.m. in Wentworth Park, 100 N. Grand Ave. to honor those killed on 9/11. The city officials, including the fire and police chief, will deliver tributes and place flags around the Michigan September 11 Memorial.
Grand Traverse duty bell ringing
Grand Traverse is planning a remembrance ceremony at 8;30 a.m. at 9/11 Memorial Park, 897 Parsons Road, 49686, that includes an honor guard, pipes and drums, prayer, a keynote address by the county administrator and a 3-3-3 bell ringing, signifying that a fallen firefighter has done their final duty.
Ann Arbor Station No. 1 service
The city fire and police departments are planning a commemorative serviceat 9 a.m., in front of Fire Station No. 1, 111 N. Fifth Ave., in Ann Arbor, to remember the lost lives. The fire and police chiefs are expected to offer remarks, along with the mayor and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell.
Canton park moment of silence
Canton officials, along with the township's fire and police department, will reflect on those who died at 9:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Heritage Park, 1150 S. Canton Center, behind the administration building. The ceremony will include a musical tribute and a moment of silence.
Hillsdale prayer, music performance
In Hillsdale, the college and county fire departments plan to hold a series of events throughout the day, including a prayer, a student flag raising, and a free evening concert, "Spirit of America." The flag raising is at noon at the Civil War statue, 33 E. College St., and the music is at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Chapel, 18 E. Galloway Dr.
Clinton Township 9/11 film showing
At 1 p.m., the Lorenzo Cultural Center, 44575 Garfield Road, at Macomb Community College in Clinton Township will show a documentary, "9/11 Inside the Pentagon," that tells the stories of the survivors of the attack on the Pentagon, which killed 184 people. The showing is part of a special 9/11 exhibit at the center that runs through Saturday.
Pontiac first responders memorial
New names will be added at 1 p.m. to the granite wall memorial, at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, in Pontiac for police and firefighters on the anniversary. The Fallen Heroes Memorial aims to remember first responders throughout the state who died in the line of duty.
Frankenmuth's twin tower remains
The city's fire department plans to hold its annual remembrance ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in front of the fire station, 210 W. Genesee St., near the city's 9/11 memorial, a twisted, 900 pound, 10-foot long steel beam from the World Trade Center, a reminder of what happened in 2001.
Howell service, homecoming parade
Howell plans to remember the lives lost at 6 p.m. at the 9/11 Memorial Monument, 251 Preventorium Road, with a solemn flag ceremony and candlelight service. The event coincides with Howell High School's homecoming parade, and Howell School District's wear Red, White & Blue Day.
Oakland Township veterans tribute
At 7 p.m., the community plans to mark 9/11 with a public gathering at the Veterans Tribute of Oakland Township, 5236 Adams Road, for remembrances. Organizers are urging participants to bring lawn chairs, cigars, and their "beverage of choice."
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Places to join Michiganders memorializing those killed on 9/11
