Today we’re sharing family-friendly 9/11 memorial ceremonies near you to honor and remember those Americans who lost their lives on September 11, 2011.
I was in 7th grade on this gut-wrenching day of history, and it’s something I’ll never forget, and I want to honor the day with my son in a way that he can understand as he ages.
Keep reading for local opportunities to remember 9/11, the lives lost, those who lost loved ones, and how our country supported all families affected.
Xo,
Amy
Tempe Day of Healing to honor 9/11
The 22nd annual Tempe Healing Field tribute will be held at Tempe Beach Park from 9/09/23 to 9/11/23.
If you have never taken the time to go to Tempe Town Lake to visit this memorial, you have missed something very special. It is an amazing tribute to the innocent lives lost, and a kid-friendly experience where each flat has a card tied to it honoring an American who lost his/her life on that fateful day.
Saturday, Sept. 9, 6 a.m. – Volunteers gather for the flag installation. All are welcome.
Sunday, Sept. 10, 7:30 a.m. – Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K run/walk at Tempe Beach Park (registration required).
Sunday, Sept. 10, 6:30-9 p.m. – Freedom Concert featuring patriotic songs in the park.
Monday, Sept. 11, 5:45 a.m. – Healing Field Tribute reading of the names of the victims beginning at 5:46 a.m. when the first plane hit the first tower.
Monday, Sept. 11, 7 p.m. – Healing Field Tribute featuring a ceremony, speakers and a candlelight vigil.
Monday, Sept. 12, 6 a.m. – Volunteers gather to take down the flags. All are welcome.
Gilbert 9/11 Tribute in Light
On September 11, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM Gilbert will project twin beams, a powerful symbol of the World Trade Center’s towers at their 9/11 Memorial Plaza (50 E. Civic Center Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296).
Gilbert’s iconic water tower will be illuminated red, white and blue as we join the nation in remembrance.
Or, you can go visit the Gilbert 9/11 Memorial on your own time that weekend. Information about it is available here to share with your family, or to learn about it yourself.
Mesa’s National Day of Service to honor 9/11
The City of Mesa, 911Day.org and JustServe.org invite residents to commemorate the 9/11 National Day of Service by volunteering in the community on a project of their choice between Sept. 9 and Sept. 30. It is also a great way to show you “Love Your City.”
More than 30 Mesa volunteer projects are available throughout the month. Volunteering activities include school cleanups; assisting at a homeless relief center; food, clothing and school supply distributions; a book drive and installing smoke alarms and grab bars.
Registration for 9-11 Love Your City projects is available online. Each volunteer opportunity has age limits stated, so be sure to read the details for each volunteer job to ensure it’s a family-friendly option.
Here’s more tips on volunteering locally with kids, if you haven’t volunteered as a family before.
Just for the parents: Stair Climb to honor 9/11 first responders
Each 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing or walking the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.
Locally, Salt River Fields hosts the climb and fundraiser. This year the climb is Saturday, September 9, in the evening. To form a team or to donate, visit their website. Technically kids are welcome here, it’s just A LOT of stairs with littles.
