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 23rd annual Tempe Healing Field tribute will be held at Tempe Beach Park from 9/07/24 to 9/11/24.
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.
Healing Field® Tribute 5:45AM 9/11/24 The public is welcome to join us in reading the names of the victims beginning at 5:46AM when the first plane hit the first tower.
Healing Field® Tribute: / Candlelight Vigil: Wednesday, September 11th 7:00PM. Ceremony, speakers, candlelight vigil.
Stand Down The Field – Thursday, September 12th at 6:00AM. Volunteers welcome and encouraged to help!
Gilbert 9/11 Tribute in Light
On September 11, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. a memorial ceremony will take place, followed by a tribute in light from 7:30-10:30 p.m. where 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). More information on the ceremony here.
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 through the month. 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.
Here’s a few service projects that are kid-friendly:
- Make ‘thank you cards’ for National Guard, at-home activity to drop off by 9/28, details here
- Emergency Food Bag prep, 9/14, 9-11 a.m. sign up here
- Welcome Signs for Refugees, 9/14, 7-11 a.m. sign up here
- Snack Bags for the Homeless: 9/11, 6-8 p.m. sign up here
- @amyjonesgroup has donated the funds to provide furniture and home baskets to @welcometoamericaproject, a Tempe based nonprofit organization, that welcomes resettled refugees with vital resources but they need your help to put it all together for the families!Please come out and help this Thursday, September 12th from 10-1pm at 1711 W University Dr Unit 158 Tempe, AZ 85281. More information here.
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 14, 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, so use your best judgement knowing your kids abilities.
