Remembering 9/11 Amid Coronavirus: Service In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — Over the years, the nation has come together at ceremonies in Vienna and other U.S. communities to commemorate the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. However, as the 19th anniversary of the attacks arrives, some ceremonies will look different.

To date, more than 6 million Americans have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting community leaders to put in place extra precautions and enhanced safety measures at these annual events. While some communities are moving events online, others are canceling events out of an abundance of caution.

The Town of Vienna's ceremony will go on in person on Friday, Sept. 11. Residents are invited to pay tribute to the victims and heroes who responded and sacrificed their lives to save others. The ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. in coordination with the American Legion Post 180. Due to expected inclement weather, the location has been moved to the Vienna Community Center.

At 8:46 a.m., Vienna Presbyterian Church will begin the sounding of bells, marking the first strike by terrorists at the North Tower of the World Trade Center. It will end at 10:28 a.m., marking the collapse of the North Tower.

Here is the schedule of events:

• Pledge of Allegiance, Guillermo Guillén, Commander, Vienna American Legion Post 180
• National Anthem Invocation, Richard Cunningham, Sr.
• Vienna American Legion Squadron 180 Introduction of Guests, Guillermo Guillén, Commander, Vienna American Legion Post 180
• “A Day to Remember” Proclamation, The Honorable Linda J. Colbert, Mayor, Town of Vienna
• Keynote Speaker, Guillermo Guillén, Commander, Vienna American Legion Post 180
• “America the Beautiful”
• Benediction, Richard Cunningham, Sr., Vienna American Legion Squadron 180
• Taps

Mayor Linda Colbert has issued a proclamation recognizing the Sept. 11 anniversary:

WHEREAS, the unprovoked attacks of September 11, 2001, upon America by foreign
terrorists have thrust the United States, and other countries, into a war it never envisioned,
militarily or diplomatically; and,
WHEREAS, the challenges facing all the civilized people of the world as they relate to the
war on terrorism will not end until those responsible are brought to justice; and,
WHEREAS, America is fully committed to ensuring our freedoms remain unfettered and
sovereign for all generations, now and forever; and,
WHEREAS, one way to accomplish this is to NEVER FORGET that those innocent victims
did not die in vain; and,
WHEREAS, America can fight back by reminding the world that the deaths of these people
will always be remembered and they will be forever loved; and,
WHEREAS, a noble and appropriate way to accomplish this is through the annual celebration
of their living; and,
WHEREAS, this commemoration should be held each September 11 throughout the land to
include:
• The promotion of global peace and goodwill;
• The demonstration of America’s resolve and perseverance to win the war on terrorism;
• The advancement of responsible citizenship;
• The encouragement of patriotism and love of country; and
• The poignant remembrance of those innocent victims that died on
September 11 as heroes, one and all;
NOW, THEREFORE I, Linda J. Colbert, Mayor of the Town of Vienna,
Virginia, and the Vienna Town Council are issuing this proclamation to memorialize those
whose lives were suddenly, without cause, and pointlessly taken from them on September 11,
2001 and may they forever rest in peace and abide in our memories.
Mayor Linda J. Colbert

The events of Sept. 11 hit close to home, with the Pentagon being less than 20 miles from Vienna. Fairfax County first responders were among those who were on hand after the attack on the Pentagon.

In Arlington County, the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial remains closed to visitors because of COVID-19 restrictions. Arlington County typically holds an annual remembrance ceremony, which this year will be held virtually. Specific plans for this year's service will be released the week of Sept. 11, according to county spokesperson Erika Moore.

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to send state health personnel to New York City to provide supervision during the annual "Tribute in Light" ceremony, a commemoration of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Cuomo said staff will be on hand to "ensure this year's tribute is held safely."

Cuomo's announcement came just days after 9/11 Memorial & Museum officials had nixed the 2020 tribute due to coronavirus concerns.

Now, the focus of the New York City commemoration will be reading the names of victims. Family members will not read the names in person this year; instead, recorded readings from the museum's In Memoriam exhibition will be used for the ceremony.

In Pennsylvania, the National Park Service will hold an abbreviated ceremony at Shanksville. The 20-minute "Moment of Remembrance" is set to begin at 9:45 a.m., without a keynote speaker or musical guests.

The names of each passenger and crew member from Flight 93 will be read aloud with the ringing of the "Bells of Remembrance," according to the agency's website.

Both President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden plan to visit Shanksville on Friday. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, will attend Sept. 11 memorial ceremonies in New York this year.