Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, Northern Virginia continues to hold a uniquely personal connection to the events of that day. From the Pentagon to local firehouses and community memorials, the region will mark the anniversary with ceremonies, exhibits, and opportunities to remember those who died, those who responded, and the communities forever changed by the attacks.
Here are some events and exhibits to know about this September.
Alexandria
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
September 11, 10 to 11 a.m.
The City of Alexandria will hold its 25th annual remembrance ceremony, honoring victims, survivors, first responders, and others affected by the attacks. The program will include a presentation of colors, remarks from Mayor Alyia Gaskins and public safety officials, and a return-to-quarters ceremony. Alexandria Police Department Headquarters: Room 106, 3600 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, free
Arlington
Remembrance to Renewal: Community Reflection on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11
September 11, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Presented by Arlington County, Arlington Public Library, and the Military Women’s Memorial, this program will explore the impact of 9/11 on Arlington and the nation through personal stories and a panel discussion focused on remembrance, resilience, and the community’s response. Amazon HQ2: Merlin Room, 510 14th St. S., Arlington
Arlington Police, Fire, Sheriff and ECC 9/11 Memorial 5K
September 5, 6 p.m.
The annual 9/11 Memorial 5K brings together runners and walkers to honor those lost on September 11 and support 9/11-related charities. The race has raised more than $1 million for related charities since its inception. DoubleTree Hotel: 300 Army Navy Dr., Arlington
Pentagon Memorial
Open daily
For a quieter observance, visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, which honors the 184 people killed at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77. The outdoor memorial features 184 illuminated memorial units, each dedicated to a victim. 1 N. Rotary Rd., Arlington
Military Women’s Memorial: 9/11 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony
September 10, 5:30 to 8:45 p.m.
The Military Women’s Memorial will host an evening remembrance ceremony honoring those killed September 11, those who responded, and the service and sacrifice that followed. Military Women’s Memorial, Memorial Ave., Arlington
Chantilly
9/11: 25 Years Later
September 10, 8 to 9 p.m.
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will bring together aviation and first-responder personnel to discuss September 11, with a particular focus on Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Pentagon. Panelists include former National Airport manager Chris Browne and former Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire Department battalion chief Michael Defina. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, free
Fort Belvoir
Steel & Stone: Engineering the Response to 9/11
Through 2026
The new exhibition examines the U.S. Army’s response to 9/11 and the work of Army Corps of Engineers personnel during the recovery at Ground Zero and the Pentagon. It features artifacts and personal accounts from the recovery effort. The exhibition opens Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. and is included with free museum admission. National Museum of the United States Army: 1775 Liberty Dr., Fort Belvoir
25th Anniversary of 9/11 Honor Walk
September 11–13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Army Historical Foundation will host an Honor Walk during the anniversary weekend. Visitors can participate in a reflective walk around Warriors’ Field and receive a commemorative 25th-anniversary 9/11 pin. The weekend will also feature the new Steel & Stone exhibition, a display of the Pentagon flag that was unfurled over the damaged building after the attack, 9/11 Memorial Stones from the Pentagon, a flower memorial, and additional 9/11 artifacts and soldier stories. Museum admission is free. National Museum of the United States Army: 1775 Liberty Dr., Fort Belvoir
Great Falls
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
September 11, 7 to 8 p.m.
The annual ceremony honors the six Great Falls residents who died in the Sept. 11 attacks, as well as others who died or were affected by the attacks and their aftermath. The ceremony is open to all. In case of rain, it moves indoors. Great Falls Freedom Memorial, behind the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pk., Great Falls
Manassas Park
25th Commemoration of 9/11
September 11, 8:30 a.m.
The city will mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a community remembrance ceremony at Park Central Plaza. 100 Park Central Plz., Manassas Park
Triangle
9/11 25th Anniversary Commemoration
September 11
The National Museum of the Marine Corps will mark the 25th anniversary with the public launch of The Legacy of 9/11: The U.S. Marine Corps and the Terror Attacks of September 2001. The free program will include special remarks, a panel discussion, wreath-laying ceremony, and book signing. The museum also houses a collection of artifacts connected to the attacks and their aftermath, including a Marine Corps flag recovered from the Pentagon just yards from the crash of American Airlines Flight 77; an F/A-18A Hornet that flew an armed combat patrol over Washington, DC, on September 12, 2001; and an AH-1W Super Cobra bearing markings honoring New York City firefighters killed at the World Trade Center. Program details to be announced. National Museum of the Marine Corps: 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, free
Washington, DC
September 11: 25 Years Later — Artifacts from the Collection
September 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Smithsonian will display approximately 40 artifacts from the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93 crash site in Pennsylvania, including airplane fragments, first-responder equipment and Pentagon material. The objects will be displayed on open tables rather than behind glass, allowing visitors an unusually close look at the collection. National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, free
Woodbridge
Prince William County 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony
September 10, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Prince William County will mark the anniversary with a ceremony honoring the 22 county residents who died on 9/11, along with the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks. The program will include the reading of the victims’ names, personal reflections, and a performance by the Madrigal Choir from Osbourn Park High School. The event is free and open to the public. Sean T. Connaughton Plaza: 1 County Complex Ct., Woodbridge
Feature image courtesy Prince William County
