Remembering 9/11

On September 11, 2001 tragedy hit America when four planes were hijacked by terrorist members of al-Qaeda to carry out suicide attacks in the United States. That Tuesday morning, two airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, another into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the last headed to California, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Over 3,000 people were killed in the attacks of 9/11, including 400 firefighters, policemen, paramedics and port authority in efforts to save the injured. It was a moment in history that will remain a part of our lives forever. At a time when we thought America was untouchable, we were faced with one of our biggest fears. The fear remains today with cautionary efforts in controlling security and the safety of every citizen.

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 and each person throughout the country will be doing their part in honoring and remembering those fallen. I remember the exact moment when I heard the news. I was getting ready for work and was a bit confused as to what was going on. I didn’t really realize what had happened until I got to work and all the 200 employees were standing in front a TV, hearing about the second plane that crashed into the towers. Ten minutes later we were all told to go home and be with our loved ones. I think every place in Wisconsin closed that day and not one person was out. It was like a ghost town. For months after, it was the main topic on every news channel. However, the one moment that really hit me was during the Super Bowl that year. Budweiser aired a special tribute to 9/11 that only aired once. The whole bar I was at went silent. I still get choked up when I see it.

Even though the attacks happened on the East Coast, it affected the whole country and Las Vegas is doing their part to honor this moment in history. In part of the 9/11 Remembrance and other organizations, Las Vegas will have a series of events starting Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11 in accordance with the 10 year anniversary.

Friday, September 9:

• 9/11 Remembrance Car Show: One Engine, One Injured on Fremont Street Experience starting at noon.
• UNLV President Neal Smatresk hosts a tribute at 4 p.m. at Lied Library with a commemorative art piece by Troy Gillett.

Saturday, September 10:

• 9/11 Remembrance 9.11K Race and 1 Mile Walk: One Runner, One Fallen kicks off at 6 a.m. The race is limited to 3,063 runners each running for a victim of 9/11. The walk is limited to 6,000 each walking for one fallen service member since 9/11.
• Fire service members will climb 110 stories at the Stratosphere in honor of fallen brothers starting at 7 a.m.
• 9/11 Remembrance Motorcycle Ride: One Rider, One Survivor starting at the Red Rock Loop at 8 a.m.
• 9/11 Remembrance Bike Ride: One Rider, One Survivor with a 91.1k ride kicking off at 8 a.m. starting at the East end of the Fremont Street Experience.
• 9/11 Remembrance Family Equestrian Day at Horseman’s Park from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Special performance by local show members of The Lion King, Jersey Boys, Love and more for the “God Lives in Glass” concert at Judy Baley Theatre from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $25 and proceeds go to Family Promise of Las Vegas and The Nevada Conservatory Theatre. 

Sunday, September 11:

• The West Coast Heroes Parade and Ceremony in Downtown Las Vegas begins at 5:46 a.m. in honor of the exact moment the first World Trade Center was hit.
• The city of Henderson will participate in the National Moment of Remembrance sounding their sirens at 10 a.m. for Stop and Remember.
• 9/11 Remembrance 10th Anniversary Gala at the Las Vegas Hilton with surprise guest performances, red carpet and an optional black-tie cocktail party beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are priced at $125 and benefit 9/11 Survivors Universal Solutions Fund, Operation Home Front Wounded Warriors, USE of Las Vegas and various honor guards.

Whether you decide to participate in the local events or not, please take a moment this Sunday, September 11th, a date that will never be forgotten in America, to remember and honor the fallen.