Peace Arch Park to host 25th annual cross-border 9/11 memorial

Peace Arch Park is preparing to host a cross-border gathering marking 25 years of remembrance, service and shared resolve following the Sept. 11 attacks. The 25th annual Northwest 9/11 Memorial ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, beneath the Peace Arch.

According to 9/11 NW Memorial, more than 400 first responders, military and border-services personnel, public officials and members of the public are expected. The event commemorates nearly 3,000 people killed on Sept. 11, 2001, recognizes those who responded and honours first responders, military members and border personnel who continue to serve their communities and countries.

Four first responders from the New York City Police Department and New York City fire and emergency medical services, all of whom served on Sept. 11, 2001, will attend. Military members and municipal, state, provincial and federal dignitaries are also expected, alongside senior Canadian and American representatives, Indigenous and municipal leaders, officials from both sides of the border, and first responders from British Columbia and Washington State.

The 70-minute service will include Canadian and American national anthems performed by the Van City Chorus, followed by a special helicopter flypast by U.S. Homeland Security. A by-donation barbecue and community gathering at Peace Arch Provincial Park will follow. More information is available at 911nwmemorial.com.