The City of Las Vegas has announced a series of events to commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The tributes, which aim to honor both the victims and the first responders of the World Trade Center attacks, will take place on the dates of next Thursday and Saturday. A statement obtained by the City of Las Vegas details the schedule and nature of the remembrance activities.
One key event includes the "Tolling of the Bells" at Fire Station 5, located at 1020 Hinson St., slated to begin at 6:45 a.m. next Thursday. This time coincides with the approximate moment when the South Tower collapsed. In a poignant tribute, the bells will toll and a special flag, which previously flew over the World Trade Center, will be raised to half-staff. This flag-raising tradition has occurred annually since the city received the flag in 2004. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to view a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, and a Callery pear tree, a seedling from the sole surviving tree at the site of the attacks, as per the City of Las Vegas.
Adding to the commemorative events, retired New York City firefighter and Las Vegas resident Frank Pizarro is scheduled to perform the National Anthem. According to the City of Las Vegas, Pizarro, who was off duty on the morning of the attacks, quickly joined his fellow firefighters in the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center upon witnessing what had happened.
The Las Vegas Ten-13 Club, an organization of retired New York City police officers and retired law enforcement officers from other agencies, is also hosting a remembrance event. This gathering will take place at Police Memorial Park on Thursday, September 11, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The park, located at 3250 Metro Academy Way, features a tree grove and memorials dedicated to fallen law enforcement officers in the community. Also mentioned, is a sapling from the World Trade Center Callery pear tree, planted at the park in 2021, to serve as a living tribute to those lost on 9/11.
The series of tributes conclude next Saturday, at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs with a remembrance and service day. Taking place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the event is expected to involve a ceremony, live performances, and the planting of 200 U.S. flags. A number of community groups, including the City of Las Vegas, Youth Service America, and the Las Vegas Boy Scouts of America have teamed up to sponsor this commemorative gathering. Participants will also have a chance to help with a park cleanup and prepare decorations for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Those interested in attending can RSVP via email to [email protected].
