Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people on Sept. 11. In recognition, the Town of Fountain Hills is hosting a 9/11 Tribute throughout the week leading up to the anniversary date. The Tribute includes a poetry and art exhibit featuring Memorial Wreaths from service organizations. The wreaths honor the memory of victims of 9/11. The wreaths will be displayed at the ceremony on Sept. 11 at the Amphitheater.
This week-long Tribute is a chance for us to remember and reflect on this event's impact on our community. At this year's 9/11 Tribute, individuals are encouraged to pledge to help a person, our community, or our nation through an act of kindness or service. These acts of kindness align with the Town of Fountain Hills Golden Rule designation.
The week-long activities are opportunities for families to create projects that symbolize healing, peace, and survival. Children are encouraged to design a First Responders Badge and a Survivor's Leaf to hang on a designated tree planted at the 9/11 Ceremony. All ages are encouraged to make a paper crane either at home or with one of our craft events.
Sept. 6 – Deadline to enter the Art & Poem Exhibit
Fountain Hills invites poets and artists from throughout the Town to submit a poem or artwork to honor the lives lost and survivors from Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S. The exhibit's theme will reflect on our need to keep the memories of the victims while also looking forward to new beginnings. The submitted works will be displayed on the Town's website.
Sept. 7 – Create a First Responder Badge
Sept. 8 – Deadline to drop off paper cranes to Town Hall
Sept. 10 – Create a Survivor's leaf
Sept. 11 – Stair Climb Challenge
The Stair Climb Challenge honors the 343 first responders who gave their lives to help others on 9/11 by climbing 110 stories – the equivalent of the highest point of the World Trade Center. According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which sponsors the stair climbs across the nation, the event honors the memories of first responders who died that day and symbolized completing their heroic journeys to save others. Sign up for the Stair Climb challenge and complete 2,071 steps on 9/11 to honor our first responders. www.911towerchallengefoundation.org
Visit www.fh.az.gov/fhtribute for more information about the tribute and how to participate.