Memorials, Events Mark 9/11 Anniversary In Michigan

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Memorials and community service events are planned across Michigan on the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Public remembrances are planned Tuesday in many places, including Detroit, Pontiac and Port Huron. A day of events is planned at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids featuring the President Ford Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Ford Motor Co. employees continue service projects as part of the global Ford Global Week of Caring. Volunteers in the Detroit area will be painting, renovating, planting and building at shelters, care centers and other nonprofit facilities.

During its Tuesday session, the Michigan House of Representatives plans to honor first responders across the state for their service.

The Michigan Senate has designated Sept. 11-17 Michigan Patriot Week.

Local 9/11 events and memorials:

Detroit

The City of Detroit's 10th annual 9/11 Memorial Service is being held in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This annual observance of the valor that took place on September 11th is one way of recognizing and never forgetting those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The memorial service takes place at 11 a.m. in the heart of Downtown Detroit at Campus Martius (Fountain Park).

Farmington

A 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 11 starting at 6 p.m. at the Walter Sundquist Pavilion at Riley Park in downtown Farmington. The annual 9/11 Patriot Day event honors those who currently serve our country or have served in the past, and is designated in memory of the nearly three thousand people who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

During the event, the American Legion will recognize local citizens who have served our country and will present Officer of the Year honors to Police Officers and Fire Fighters from Farmington Hills and Farmington.

Grosse Pointe

The Grosse Pointe North Chapter of Young Americans for Freedom is leading the effort to commemorate the September 11th terrorist attacks by placing 2,977 American flags for each of the victims who lost their lives that day. This is the second year GPN-YAF is putting on this event in which all are asked and invited to participate.

Students throughout the day, during their social studies classes, will place nearly 3,000 flags in the ground. Along with the memorial, Young Americans for Freedom is sponsoring a school-wide moment of silence when the first tower of the world trade center fell.

Auburn Hills

The City of Auburn Hills will host its first Patriot Day National Day of Service and Remembrance celebration at Hawk Woods Nature Center in Auburn Hills.

The day begins with a noon cookout lunch followed by volunteer-led family activities, including arts and crafts, a nature hike and outdoor games. There will be a late afternoon service project that involves helping Hawk Wood's staff tag and remove invasive buckthorn plants throughout the nature center. The evening will include a bonfire and community dinner. A pancake breakfast will be served for those who spend the night.

All food and activities, including overnight accommodations at Hawk Woods, are free to Michigan veterans and their families. Find more information at www.auburnhills.org.

Oakland County

The Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial Annual September 11th Ceremony Special tribute will be paid to fallen police officers and firefighters from across the State of Michigan who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving the public.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard and other fire officials and local leaders will be putting on the ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Fallen Heroes Memorial Site at the Oakland County Complex on Telegraph in Pontiac, next to Building 38.

Also happening in Oakland County, officials will plant Michigan's first "Liberty Tree" in a patriotic ceremony in the south courtyard of the Oakland County Circuit Court building at noon, in recognition of the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and as part of Patriot Week activities.

The ceremony will include the planting of an American Liberty Tulip Poplar and installation of a special bronze plaque with an inscription that recounts the history of the original Liberty Tree, which stood in silent witness to countless meetings, speeches and celebrations, and became the rallying place for the Sons of Liberty during the American Revolution.

Westland

The City of Westland is hosting a 9/11 Memorial Service, conducted by St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School, at 11 a.m. on the south steps of Westland City Hall, located at 36601 Ford Road.

Reverend Bill Wrede, who responded to the attacks at the World Trade Center -- arriving at the site moments before the second tower collapsed, will deliver the sermon. Wrede, who administered to the first responders that day, was a chaplain at "Respite South" (a rest area for workers) and at the on-site morgue in the months following the attack.

The St. Matthew Jubilee and Cherub Choirs, as well as the Lutheran High Westland Choir, will also be on hand for the memorial service.

Monroe County

Monroe County Community College's Whitman Center will host a panel presentation by local individuals who went to New York City and provided volunteer assistance after  9-11, as well as an exhibit on the historical significance of the tragedy.

The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Tuesday, September 11 from 7-9 p.m. in Room 2 of the center, which is located 7777 Lewis Ave in Temperance.

Dr. John Lewton, a psychologist and trauma response specialist, Beth Cooley, a police officer, and Elizabeth Cole, a licensed massage therapist, will share their unique experiences and perspectives on the aftermath of the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil.

The exhibit, "September 11: A Timeline," is on loan from the New York State Museum. It explores the historical significance of Sept. 11, 2001 and features rare artifacts from the World Trade Center. The detailed timeline, with images, maps and graphics, is designed to help visitors understand the sequence of terrorist activity during the decade preceding the attacks. For more information call 734-847-0559.

MORE: 9/11 Michigan Remembers

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