KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Communities across East Tennessee will come together Friday and Saturday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks with ceremonies honoring the nearly 3,000 victims, first responders and military members impacted by the tragedy.
Several memorial events are planned throughout the region, including ceremonies in Knoxville, Sevier County, Roane County and Hamblen County.
Knoxville Expands Annual 9/11 Ceremony
In Knoxville, Mayor Indya Kincannon and other city leaders will participate in an expanded memorial observance at Delaney Plaza along Stadium Way beginning at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
The ceremony will include music from the Souls Choir, remarks from community leaders and a moment of silence to honor those killed in the attacks.
Immediately following the ceremony, participants will take part in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb inside Covenant Health Park. The event serves as a tribute to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives responding to the attacks at the World Trade Center.
Sevier County to Ring Historic Courthouse Bell
In Sevier County, officials will mark the anniversary with the ringing of the historic 1896 bell atop the Sevier County Courthouse.
The bell will ring four times during the morning to coincide with key moments from Sept. 11, 2001:
- 8:46 a.m. – North Tower struck
- 9:03 a.m. – South Tower struck
- 9:37 a.m. – Pentagon struck
- 10:03 a.m. – Flight 93 crash in Pennsylvania
County leaders say the observance is intended to provide a solemn reminder of the events that changed the nation 25 years ago.
Roane County Memorial Planned
A separate bell-ringing ceremony is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Andrew J. Benson 9/11 Memorial, located beside the public boat ramp at TVA’s Kingston Fossil Plant.
The memorial honors victims of the attacks and pays tribute to the emergency responders who answered the call on one of the nation’s darkest days.
Evening Event at World’s Fair Park
On Friday evening, Knoxville residents will have an opportunity to participate in 9/11 Tributes & Tunes at World’s Fair Park.
Organizers say the event has been designed as a series of shared experiences, including:
- A Memorial Zone honoring every first responder killed at Ground Zero
- A community remembrance ceremony
- A live concert promoting unity and hope
Tickets are $25, with proceeds benefiting the Knoxville Public Safety Foundation. All first responders will be admitted free of charge.
Memorial Ride Scheduled Saturday
The observances will continue Saturday with the annual 9/11 Memorial Ride in Morristown.
The charity motorcycle ride begins at 10 a.m. at Colboch Motorcycle Sales on North Davy Crockett Parkway and concludes in Bulls Gap.
Event organizers say proceeds from the ride will benefit the Bulls Gap Fire Department.
Remembering a Historic Day
The attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 claimed the lives of 2,977 people when terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners and targeted the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93.
Twenty-five years later, East Tennessee communities continue to gather each year to honor those who died, remember the sacrifices of first responders and reflect on the unity that followed one of the most significant events in American history.
Remembering 9/11, Twenty-Five Years Later
Twenty-five years after the attacks changed the nation forever, East Tennessee communities continue the tradition of gathering to remember those who died, honor the bravery of first responders and reflect on the unity that emerged in the aftermath of tragedy.
Community leaders say the ceremonies provide an opportunity for a new generation to learn about the events of September 11 and ensure that the promise to “Never Forget” continues for years to come.
