9/11 Patriots Day Services: Stafford County Hosts Annual Bell Ringing

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Sometimes called Patriots Day, Sept. 11 has become a national day of remembrance honoring the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon in Arlington.

Americans felt a collective trauma as first one and then another plane flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. As the truth dawned on people watching from their TVs that America was under attack, another plane took aim at the Pentagon. A fourth was brought down in a field in Pennsylvania in a final act of heroism by passengers who realized their flight had been hijacked.

At least 2,973 people lost their lives in the attacks. The somber anniversary is marked across the country with memorial services, moments of silence and community events.

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial will be closed to the public, except for victims' families, from 5 a.m. on Tuesday through 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Stafford County will be hosting its annual bell-ringing ceremony at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, near the entrance to the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road in Stafford. Speakers will include County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Meg Bohmke, Falmouth District, Stafford County Fire and Rescue Chief Joseph Cardello and Sheriff David Decatur from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

On the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, Fredericksburg community honors the memory of four residents from the area who died at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

• Allen Boyle, 30 of Fredericksburg, VA , VA (Deceased-Pentagon)
• Teresa M. Martin, 45 of Stafford, VA (Deceased-Pentagon)
• Martha Reszke, 36 of Stafford, VA (Deceased-Pentagon)
• Marion Serva, 47 of Stafford, VA (Deceased-Pentagon)