Never Forget: City Planning Special Observance for 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Two decades after the deadliest attack on U.S. soil, Westerville residents will gather to reflect on the world-changing events of 9/11, the years that followed and discuss their hopes for the future. A formal observance will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at First Responders Park (374 W. Main St.) with temporary displays, lighting and video presentations. The exhibit will remain in place through 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12.

Westerville City Manager Monica Irelan says the organizing team for the observance designed the event keeping in mind those who lived through 9/11 and also those who were not yet alive.

“Twenty years ago, the country made a promise to ‘Never Forget’ the events of Sept. 11, and we’ve held strong to that, overall.” said Irelan. “However, we recognize that there’s a whole generation of young adults, teens and children who may feel detached, and yet, so much of their lives have been shaped as a direct result of these events.”

The event will pay special tribute to the first responders and civilians who showed untold courage during the attacks and in the days, weeks and months that followed. Attendees will walk through an immersive experience that curves through the park, which was expanded and renovated with community support in 2019. The park prominently features “C-40,” twisted steel that fell from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. See “The Story Behind” on the next page.

In addition to audio/visual presentation elements, the event will include live music and storytellers reading children’s stories about 9/11.

“We want everyone who walks through to leave with an understanding of what happened, the impact and with the hope that they can impact the future,” said Irelan. The enduring legacy of 9/11 is the brief moment in time afterward when the country seemed to unite for love of country and compassion for neighbors. The City is endeavoring to recapture that feeling, giving attendees the opportunity to record and share their vision and hope for the future.

Families and people of all ages are encouraged to attend. Some footage of the towers and aftermath, as well as dispatch communications audio will be presented. This will be a secular event. The Westerville Chaplain Corps plans to host a separate event at First Responders Park at 12 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 11 - SUNDAY, SEPT. 12 7:30-9:30 P.M. FIRST RESPONDERS PARK 374 W. MAIN ST.

Find event details and updates at www.westerville.org/ neverforget.

First Responders Park at dusk. Images of the many years Westerville’s observed September 11 can be found on page 21.