Never Forget: How the Cape Fear Area Is Marking 25 Years Since 9/11

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As the Cape Fear region prepares to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, communities across the area are coming together to remember the nearly 3,000 people who were killed, honor the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, and recognize the service and sacrifice of those who continue to protect our communities today.

Here are events and observances happening in the Wilmington area and beyond in the days surrounding September 11:

• September 2 — 9/11 Memorial Flag Presentation, Wilmington: The NC Patriot Guard Riders will present specially designed 9/11 Never Forget Memorial Flags to Wilmington Fire Department Chief John Looney at 9 a.m. at Wilmington Fire Department headquarters. Following the presentation, riders will deliver flags to fire stations throughout Wilmington and New Hanover County. The flags were designed and donated by local resident Gwen Loiacono as a tribute to firefighters and other first responders. The presentation is intended to honor those who died on September 11 and the emergency personnel who continue to serve their communities.
• September 11 — North Topsail Beach Fire Department 9/11 Stair Climb: The North Topsail Beach Fire Department will hold a 9/11 Stair Climb at 8:46 a.m. at The St. Regis Resort, 2000 New River Inlet Road in North Topsail Beach. Participants will climb in honor of the victims and first responders who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
• September 11 — Cape Fear Community College Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony: Cape Fear Community College will hold a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the North Campus Safety Training Center, 4500 Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne. The ceremony will honor victims, survivors and first responders of the attacks. It will include remarks from CFCC Public Safety Department Chair Dr. Shane Guyant, reflections from members of the NYCPD 10-13 Club of Wilmington, the laying of a memorial wreath and the traditional “Striking of the Four Fives,” a firefighter tradition marking the final roll call for fallen heroes. The public is invited.
• September 11 — 25th Anniversary of 9/11: A Roundtable Discussion: VFW Post 12196 and Auxiliary will host a roundtable discussion from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Blossoms Restaurant Meeting Room. The discussion will focus on the events of September 11, 2001, and their impact on America today. The panel will include representatives from VFW Post 12196, American Legion Post 68, the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and Leland Fire Department. The public is encouraged to attend.
• September 11 — Southport Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony: The Southport Fire Department will hold its annual 9/11 memorial ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11. The department said several tributes commemorating the attacks will take place before the ceremony.
• September 11 — Cape Fear Habitat 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Ceremony: Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity will host a volunteer service event from 8 a.m. to noon, followed by a remembrance ceremony from noon to 12:30 p.m. at its Haven Place development on Castle Hayne Road, adjacent to 3101 Castle Hayne Road in Wilmington. The ceremony will include a time of reflection and the playing of Taps. The event is part of Cape Fear Habitat’s Veterans Build initiative.
• September 11 — Surf City Fitness 9/11 Stair Challenge: Surf City Fitness will host an all-day 9/11 Stair Challenge, inviting participants to climb 110 stories in remembrance of the September 11 attacks. The event will take place at Surf City Fitness, with participation costing $10. Organizers said proceeds will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Participants must reserve a spot in advance by calling 910-803-0223.
• September 11 — National Day of Service: The 25th anniversary also marks an opportunity for people to honor those lost through acts of service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is promoting September 12 as a National Day of Service with volunteer opportunities at participating national cemeteries and other locations.
• September 11 — 25th Anniversary Commemoration in New York: The National September 11 Memorial & Museum will hold its annual commemoration ceremony beginning at 8:40 a.m. at the Memorial plaza. The ceremony will remember those killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
• September 11 — Flight 93 National Memorial: The National Park Service will hold its 25th Annual September 11 Observance at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The public ceremony will include the reading of the names of the 40 passengers and crew members aboard Flight 93, the ringing of the Bells of Remembrance and a public wreath-laying ceremony.
• September 11 – American Legion Post 543 and the St. James Fire Department 9/11 Ceremony: American Legion Post 543 and the St. James Fire Department will jointly host a remembrance ceremony to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at the Wright Event Center on Friday September 11 starting at 10:00 AM. The guest speaker is the newly elected SJFD Chief Kevin Murphy, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Lt. Colonel. The ceremony is open to the public and will include the ceremonial fire bell rung by members of the SJ Fire Department, songs by the Seaside Singers, the sounding of Taps, firing party volley and bagpipe music.

Have a 9/11 event to share?

If your organization, church, school, veterans group, first-responder agency or community group is planning a September 11 remembrance, ceremony, memorial, service project or other observance, WWAY wants to help spread the word.

Send your event information to newsroom@wwaytv3.com with “September 11” in the subject line.

Please include the date, time, location, event details and contact information so we can consider it for inclusion in our coverage.