As the nation remembers the tragic events of 9/11, so does Grand Rapids.

Today marks the 13-year anniversary of the attacks on the towers of the World Trade Center in New York, Sept. 11, 2001. A hijacked plane struck The Pentagon outside Washington DC and another crashed just outside Shanksville, Pa. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives, including firefighters, rescue workers, and police officers trying to aid the victims.

Today we pledge to never forget those people and to never forget the events of that day.

A day-long Boy Scouts salute, a special remembrance program, and "9/11 Never Forget" mobile exhibit tours are taking place in at the Ford Museum in Grand Rapids today as we remember 9/11/2001.

The 9/11 Never Forget exhibit is an interactive memorial, including video, photographs, artifacts, and real stories from those who witnessed the attacks on September 11, 2001. It is parked at the museum and is free to the public. It is open today 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The President Ford Council, Boy Scouts of America, will continue their tradition of their day-long salute in remembrance. Starting at 6 a.m. the Police Honor Guard along with the Boy Scouts will change the flag. The salute will start at 6:32 a.m. and the public is invited to join at any point in the day.

Here is the full schedule for the day:

September 11:

6 – 6:30 a.m. Sunrise event with Police Honor Guard and Boy Scouts changing the flag

6:32 a.m. Scout Salute begins – the community is encouraged to participate at any time during the day

8:40 a.m. Honor Guard lowers flag from full-to half-staff

8:45 a.m. Moment of Silence and Remembrance

8:46 a.m. The Salute Bell will be rung one time for Tower 1 (the time the first plane hit the first tower).

8:50 a.m. Remarks from Salvation Army speaker Envoy Prezza Morrison

9:03 a.m. The Salute Bell will be rung one time for Tower 2

Noon Recognition of honored guests

12:05 p.m.  Introduction of distinguished Eagle Scout and Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell. Remarks from Retired Brigadier General Michael C.H. McDaniel, former deputy assistant director for homeland defense planning and current Western Michigan University Cooley Law School professor, and David M. Rahinsky, Chief of Grand Rapids Police Department

2 p.m.  Canine unit demonstration, meet and greet at Ah-Nab-Awen Park

7:05 p.m. Performance by The Salvation Army Brass Band. Officer Wally Tett to sing the National Anthem

7:12 p.m.  Sunset; Scout Salute ends

7:20 p.m.  Remarks from keynote speaker Major General Burton Francisco.

7:45 p.m. Closing program, featuring bagpipe players, will include remarks from Boy Scout Council President Wayman Britt, before the final salute and the flag being raised to full-staff

8 p.m.  Scout Salute closes

 

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