COLUMBUS, Ohio — Communities across central Ohio are preparing ceremonies and tributes to mark the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Events range from flag displays to memorial stair climbs, offering residents opportunities to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed, as well as first responders and service members who risked or lost their lives that day.
Several large public gatherings are planned, including Columbus’ annual Patriot Day ceremony at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, the rededication of Hilliard’s restored First Responders Park, and Worthington’s Patriot Day 9/11 Remembrance. Organizers say the events serve to keep the memory of Sept. 11 alive in Ohio, uniting communities in remembrance and gratitude for those who served and sacrificed.
Scheduled events include:
Capitol Square Memorial Flags
Ohio Statehouse West Plaza, through noon Sept. 12
Flags are on display at the Ohio Statehouse to honor the 2,977 victims of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. From above, the flags are arranged to represent the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and the field in Pennsylvania.
Central Ohio Fire Museum 9/11 Bell Toll
260 N. Fourth St., Columbus, Sept. 11, 8–10 a.m.
The Central Ohio Fire Museum will toll its historic bell at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center, to honor first responders who died on Sept. 11, 2001. The public is invited to attend the tribute, which recognizes firefighters, police officers, EMTs and other emergency personnel.
City of Columbus Patriot Day Ceremony
National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Great Hall, Sept. 11, noon
The city of Columbus and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum will hold the annual Patriot Day ceremony at noon in the museum’s Great Hall. The event, free to the public, will honor those who died, including first responders and veterans.
Hilliard First Responders Park Rededication
Hilliard’s Station Park Amphitheater, Sept. 11, 9 a.m.
Hilliard will rededicate its First Responders Park, which features artifacts from New York City, including a subway rail and steel beams from Ground Zero. Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel will deliver the keynote address. Remarks will be given by Hilliard Police Chief Michael Woods, Norwich Township Fire Battalion Chief Heith Good and former State Sen. Stephanie Kunze. The Hilliard Darby High School Polyphonix Choir will perform the national anthem, and the Norwich Township Bagpipe Band will provide a prelude. The event will conclude with a wreath-laying ceremony led by the Hilliard Police-Norwich Fire Honor Guard. Free and open to the public.
Madison Township Fire Department 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Motts Military Museum, 5075 S. Hamilton Road, Groveport, Sept. 11, 8 a.m.
This event will include a formal ceremony, guest speakers and a moment of silence to honor first responders, service members and civilians affected by Sept. 11. The public is invited.
Marysville 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Fire Station 272, 209 S. Main St., Sept. 11, 9:50–10:30 a.m.
The Marysville Fire Division will host a ceremony to honor and remember those lost on Sept. 11.
Ohio State University 9/11 Stair Climb
Ohio Stadium, Sept. 11, check-in begins at 5:15 a.m.
Ohio State University’s Department of Military Science and Leadership will host a stair climb event, symbolizing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center towers. Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 flights of stadium stairs in tribute to first responders. Registration is required in advance.
Ohio Department of Public Safety 9/11 Climb
Historic Crew Stadium, Sept. 11, 9–11 a.m.
The third annual 9/11 Climb at Historic Crew Stadium will honor the 412 first responders who died during the attacks. The event is open to the public; registration is available online.
Upper Arlington Fire Division 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Marv Moorehead Memorial Stadium, Sept. 14, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Upper Arlington Fire Division will host its first 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Participants will climb 2,200 steps, reflecting the number first responders climbed on Sept. 11, 2001. The event is free. Register at https://bit.ly/4oftgSF.
Worthington Patriot Day 9/11 Remembrance
Village Green, Sept. 11, noon
Worthington will hold a ceremony to commemorate the attacks and recognize first responders and volunteers. Speakers will include Maj. Gen. David B. Johnson of the Ohio National Guard, Mayor Scott Holmes, Fire Chief Mark Zambito and Police Chief Steve Mylett. The event is free.
For more information on these and additional events, visit each community’s official website.
