Remembrance Events To Mark 9-11 Anniversary At Garden of Reflection

LOWER MAKEFIELD, PA — Two ceremonies will take place this year at the Garden of Reflection marking the 21st anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

With the twin fountains of the Garden as the backdrop, a morning and an evening ceremony will commemorate the anniversary and remember the 2,977 people who died that day when terrorists hijacked planes and launched a coordinated attack against the United States.

Two planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan and another plane was flown into the Pentagon. A fourth plane, Flight 93, crashed into a field in Western Pennsylvania after passengers stormed the cockpit.

Bucks County was hit particularly hard, losing 18 residents, including nine who called Lower Makefield home.

They are remembered at the Garden of Reflection, a quiet, solemn place in Lower Makefield where twin fountains cascade toward the heavens and the names of 2,977 souls are etched into a series of glass panels embracing a serene and contemplative reflection pool.

The planning, design and construction of the memorial was spearheaded by Bucks County 9-11 families who wanted a local place to remember and reflect on the lives lost that day in New York City, western Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

On September 11 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the garden, a remembrance ceremony will mark the
chronological events of that tragic, sun-drenched Tuesday morning and remember and honor those that were lost with music, prayers and reflection.

An evening ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. will include speakers, patriotic songs and a message of Healing and Hope.

The Garden of Reflection, Pennsylvania’s official 9/11 Memorial, has become a sacred place where the community gathers to honor, remember and celebrate the lives lost on that day.

Designed by Yardley architect Liuba Lashchyk AIA, the memorial invites visitors on a walking Memorial Journey from darkness and the sorrowful reminders of tragedy and grief to light and the luminous symbols of hope, Peace and Celebration of Life.

In addition to attending the ceremonies, the community is invited to participate in the Annual Garden of Reflection 5K Race on Sunday, Sept. 18 stepping off at 9 a.m. at the garden.

The 5K Run/Walk raises money for an endowment fund established to preserve the memorial for future generations. Thanks to the 5K’s generous sponsors and participants, the race has raised more than $200,000 for the fund.

In addition, a Virtual Challenge takes place from Friday, Sept. 16 to Monday, Sept. 19. Over the course of the challenge, participants can run or walk as many miles as they choose anywhere, anytime, any distance, any pace and any number of days.

Registration for run and walk takes place online or on race day from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. The cost is $30 (pre-registration) or $35 (race day). The cost of the Virtual Challenge is $30 or $45 for both the 5K and Virtual Challenge. For information, call 215-630-6655.

The Garden of Reflection is located at Memorial Park on Woodside Road in Lower Makefield Township. For more about the garden, visit 9-11MemorialGarden.org.

The “Remembrance Fund” endowment supports the maintenance of the memorial in perpetuity. For those wishing to support The Garden and ensure its legacy, visit https://www.9-11memorialgarden.org/donate/and help guarantee its light will continue to overcome the darkness. Any donation over $2,500 will be displayed on Endowment Donor Plaques
located in The Garden.