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Alexandria Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Waterfront Park

The flags are carried to initiate the ceremony. (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)

ALEXANDRIA, VA–Twenty years after the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon, no one has forgotten the tragedy or significance of that day. On Saturday, September 11, 2021, Alexandria held a remembrance ceremony at Waterfront Park, honoring those lost, injured, and impacted worldwide.

Maurisa Potts (center) holds photo of her friend Kenneth (Kenny) Marcus Caldwell, who died during the 9-11 attacks, and an image of his name on the Memorial Wall in New York City. (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)
Councilwoman Amy Jackson bows her head in remembrance. (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)

Let us not forget, too, those first responders who were also part of that loss, injury, and impact, risking their lives while going above and beyond their duties for their community and their country.

Mayor Wilson speaks alongside line of first responders. (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)

The remembrance ceremony also featured remarks from Mayor Justin Wilson, City Manager Mark Jinks, Congressman Don Beyer, and representatives from Alexandria’s public safety agencies, including: Fire/EMS Chief Corey Smedley, Acting Police Chief Don Hayes, and Sheriff Dana Lawhorne.

Mayor Justin Wilson (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)
Congressman Don Beyer speaking. (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)
Acting Police Chief Don Hayes (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)
Sheriff Dana Lawhorne (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)

A wreath-laying and bell-ringing ceremony, “Return to Quarters”, expressed the palpable mixture of solace for those lost and gratitude for those who risked their lives. It also emphasized the power and importance that this day still holds and will forever hold in our nation’s history.

The wreath-laying ceremony. (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)
“Return to Quarters” bell ringing ceremony. (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)
Piper plays Amazing Grace (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)

As Alexandria gathered to remember 9/11, twenty years later, those pangs of loss were felt as if it happened yesterday. That is why we must never forget; this is how we will always remember.

Waterfront Park was flooded this weekend with people gathered in remembrance of September 11, 2001. (Photo Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography)

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