County and City of Rockville Plan September 11 Community Remembrance; Interfaith Prayer Service Planned for September 11

The public is invited to attend a “September 11 Community Remembrance” ceremony on Friday, September 9 at 12:30 p.m. in Courthouse Square Park in Rockville.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and the ceremony is planned as a time for remembrance and tribute to the victims, their families, emergency responders and members of the military.

Local elected officials, including County Executive Isiah Leggett, County Council President Valerie Ervin and City of Rockville Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio, will participate in the program that will include remarks by a family member of one of the Montgomery County victims.  Musical selections by the Montgomery County Police Gospel Choir will complete the program.  Members of Montgomery County’s Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) and the Montgomery County and City of Rockville Police will also participate.  The MCFRS Pipe and Drum Corps will perform.

“As we approach the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we should all take a moment to remember and honor all of the innocent victims of the terrorist attacks,” said Leggett.  “Our community was directly affected by the terrible loss of life that occurred on that day.  Eleven Montgomery County residents lost their lives in the attack on the Pentagon, and I ask all of our residents to join me to reflect on those lives that were cut tragically short by that senseless act of hatred.  This is also a time for us to honor all of the brave men and women who serve in the military and in the field of public safety.  These dedicated individuals put their lives on the line every day for each of us, and as we approach this anniversary we should stop to reflect on their bravery and commitment to protecting the lives of others.”

The “Memorial to the Events of 9/11/01” park designed by Gene and Susan Flores of Plainfield, MA, consists of 11 benches, each dedicated to one of the lost residents.  Each bench is engraved with lines from a poem, song or thought selected by family members, and the victim’s signature is inscribed in stainless steel on the end of their bench.  At one corner of the park, a pavilion stands housing a plaque bearing the names of the

11 victims who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.  Each year on September 11, from approximately 9:15 to 10:50 a.m., sunlight passes through a lens in the roof of the structure to highlight each of the 11 names.

An interfaith prayer service will be held on Sunday, September 11 at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, located at 100 Welsh Park Drive.  The service is open to the public and to all faith groups, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples, as well as secular groups.  For more information about the interfaith prayer service, call Rev. Lynn Strauss at 301-762-7666.

For more information about the memorial park or the ceremony, call Judy Stiles in the Department of Recreation, at 240-777-6875.