September 11, 2024 marks the 23rd anniversary of the day we call 9/11, also known as Patriot Day. On September 11 in 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes and flew them into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Patriot Day is observed each year as a day on which to fly the American flag at half-staff and honor those who lost their lives. A moment of silence can be observed at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane flew into the World Trade Center.
Here in Lynchburg, a special 9/11 memorial event will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 PM at the Field of Honor® display, located at Automated Conveyor Systems) at the corner of Graves Mill Road and Mill Race Road) in Lynchburg. The Field of Honor® display will be open to the public daily from 7 AM - 7 PM from Sept. 4 through 4 PM on Sept. 21.
Events in Lynchburg and around Virginia commemorating those we lost on 9/11 include:
Poppy Peace Garden Display - Sept. 2-11 from 10 AM - 5 PM daily at National D-Day Memorial
9/11 Memorial Stair Challenge at Monument Terrace - Saturday, Sept. 7 at 9 AM at Monument Terrace in Downtown Lynchburg
Patriot Day Wreath Laying - Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 11 AM at National D-Day Memorial
Patriot Day Ceremony at Virginia War Memorial on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 11 AM Virginia War Memorial in Richmond
Field of Honor 2024 9/11 Ceremony - Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 PM at Automated Conveyor Systems, Inc
Monument Terrace Troop Rally - Friday, Sept. 13 at 12 PM at Monument Terrace in Downtown Lynchburg (every Friday; not specific to 9/11)
As the nation observes the 23rd anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on American soil in our lifetimes, it's not easy to explain the meaning of this dark day in our country's history to young children. It's equally difficult to talk to children about any scary or tragic event, especially when there's no imminent danger. Most of today's children weren't even born when America was attacked on 9/11/01.
You may think that you're keeping your kids safe from fear if you don't talk to your children about the terror attacks or other tragic events. Often kids worry more when they hear things from friends or other sources than when a parent lovingly explains the events in terms kids can understand.
Here is some Expert Advice for Supporting Your Child Through Tragedy
When talking about this tragedy, keep it simple by saying something like, "Bad people hurt a lot of people by flying airplanes into buildings in America. It made Mommy, Daddy and lots of other people very sad and many people are still sad remembering what happened."
Children may worry that something bad could happen again. Parents can calm their children's fears by telling them that what happened then will probably never happen again and that we are safe from danger now. You can also take your kids to war memorials such as Monument Terrace downtown, the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, or the Field of Honor® American flag display, located at Automated Conveyor Systems on Graves Mill Road in Lynchburg from Sept. Sept. 7-21, to show how people honor those who fight to defend freedom.
September 11 is also observed as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. There are many ways for you and your family to get involved. Here are some ideas from 911day.org
1. Purchase school supplies for your child's classroom or send a gift card to your child's teacher.
2. Visit or call an aging relative or friend -- someone that would benefit from your company.
3. Deliver food or baked cookies to your local fire or police station.
4. (If you’re a child living at home), help your parents clean the house, do dishes, make your bed, or assist your brother or sister with their homework.
5. Make a financial contribution to a charity, faith group, or school.
6. Give something away to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or another charity, such as items of clothing (in good shape) to that you don’t need, like winter coats, shoes, or eye wear. Your children can give away used toys they don’t need, like bicycles or skates they’ve outgrown.
7. Contact local nonprofits and find out if they need volunteers. September is Hunger Action Awareness Month, so check out local soup kitchens, food pantries, or food banks, which need volunteers all the time, and provide food assistance and free meals to homeless and other in need.
8. Donate pet food or bedding to a local animal shelter.
9. Donate old cell phones, which often are provided to shelters for victims of domestic abuse. Many mobile phone companies accept these at their local stores.
10. Do a good deed for yourself – you count, too – so make 9/11 the day you quit smoking, start exercising, or begin a new activity you’ve put off.
These eight Lynchburg area service organizations can use your support throughout the year. If you're trying to find a meaningful way to get involved on Patriot Day, these organizations can use your family's help. Offering your help to those in need is a good way to remember the lives lost and honor their memory.
