UPDATE - SEPT 3:
Sparks has announced a second local ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The City of Sparks and Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza will host the separate remembrance at 9 a.m. on September 11 at the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza at Sparks Marina. The event will honor those killed in the attacks and recognize the first responders and others who served in response.
The new event comes in addition to the previously announced ceremony being held jointly by the cities of Reno and Sparks at Reno City Plaza.
The Sparks ceremony will feature a keynote address from retired U.S. Air Force Major General Ronald J. Bath and a personal remembrance from Sparks Councilwoman Charlene Bybee, a retired American Airlines flight attendant, connected to American Airlines Flight 11. The program also will include proclamations recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of Northern Nevada's firefighters, law enforcement officers and first responders.
The free event is open to community members, veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, students, civic organizations and families.
ORIGINAL STORY - SEPT. 2:
The cities of Reno and Sparks will hold a remembrance ceremony next Friday, marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The ceremony begins at 5:30 a.m. at Reno City Plaza and will include the National Anthem, proclamations from the cities of Reno and Sparks, and a remembrance of those killed on 9/11.
Reno and Sparks police and fire departments will also participate, along with their respective honor guards.
Bell-ringing ceremonies will mark the times the first and second planes struck the World Trade Center. The ceremony will also recognize those aboard the flights that crashed at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.
The ceremony will conclude with performances of “Taps” and “Amazing Grace.”
Reno Mayor Hilary Schieve and Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson have released statements about the upcoming ceremony.
"It has been 25 years, but we continue to remember the lives forever changed by the events of September 11,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “On this day, we honor those we lost, recognize the incredible courage and sacrifice of the first responders, and take a moment as a community to come together and reflect on an event that changed our nation.”
“Most of us can remember exactly where we were on Sept. 11, 2001. We will never forget the incredible shock and deep sadness we all felt. We will never forget the brave first responders who ran toward danger to help others. We will never forget the innocent lives lost and the many families forever changed,” said Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson. “Although this 25th anniversary is a somber day, I hope we also remember how we as Americans came together in the days that followed to support and help one another.”
There will be a virtual viewing option available on the City of Reno YouTube page.
