Events will be held across Canada, the U.S. marking 10th anniversary of 9/11

This Sunday the world will pause again, just as it did 10 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001 when nearly everyone watched in horror as the terrorist attacks occurred in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

Here in Canada cities like Whitehorse, YK, Gander Nfld. and St. John, NB saw planes diverted from American air space, some taking passengers into their homes.

Ceremonies and tributes will be held across both Canada and the U.S. to mark the decade that has passed since the events of that day sent the world into shock and mourning.

In Ottawa there will be a free concert put on by the NAC called the “Concert of Hope and Remembrance.” It will be held on the terrace at 8:46 a.m. Sunday.

As well, firefighters from across the country will be gathering on Parliament Hill at 11 a.m. to hold their annual memorial ceremony for fallen firefighters, made especially poignant this year as they also honour the lives of the first responders killed in New York City.

There will also be ceremonies held in Gander, Nfld. where several planes were diverted from American airspace following the attacks. Canadian families there housed passengers and for U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson it seemed the best place to mark the anniversary, saying it was an ideal place to thank both the people of Gander and all Canadians for their response following the tragedy.

The ceremony in Gander will be held at the Gander Community Centre at 1p.m. as part of that town’s tribute called “Beyond Words.” Jacobson will be joined by other dignitaries and there will be performances by local musicians, the 537 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and a community choir.  “Beyond Words” is working to raise money to provide scholarships for children that lost a parent in the attacks.

Other events in Canada and the U.S.

In New York City
New York City will officially mark the anniversary at the World Trade Center site Sunday morning. Four separate moments of silence will be observed to commemorate the tragedy’s anniversary, starting at 8:46 a.m.
The National 9/11 Memorial at the former World Trade Center complex will open for a special dedication ceremony for victim’s families on Sunday. It will open to the public on Sept. 12.

In Lower Manhatten at 8:46 a.m. Saturday, thousands will line the waterfront, holding hands and forming a human chain heading north to “reflect, remember and unite.”

The New York City Fire Museum is holding a memorial service at 11 a.m. Sunday, commemorating the sacrifices made by 343 members of the FDNY killed in the terrorist attacks.

A floating lanterns ceremony will be held at Pier 40 on the Hudson River from 6 – 9 p.m. on Sunday. The lanterns will be inscribed with names and inspiring messages before they are released onto the Hudson River.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art will hold its “Remembering September 11” concert from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

In Shanksville, Pa.
On Saturday, Sept. 10 the city will officially dedicate a Flight 93 National Memorial in the field where Flight 93 crashed. The 10th anniversary commemoration will take place on Sunday.

In Washington, D.C.
U.S. President Barack Obama will speak at the Washington National Cathedral’s “Concert of Hope” Sunday night in a tribute honouring all those who lost their lives in the attacks.

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History will give visitors a close-up view of more than 50 objects recovered from the three attack sites – New York, Shanksville, and the Pentagon.