VA remembers 9/11

Veterans and VA employees will remember Sept. 11, 2001, this week. Here are just a few of the events.

‘Where were you on 9/11?’

Linnea F. Shirley, VA public affairs specialist at the Amarillo VA, interviewed Veterans and VA employees, asking “Where were you on 9/11?” Here is her video of their memories as Veterans and employees tell the story of that day and how it impacted them.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1157633868174744&ref=sharing

 

Tunnel to Towers 5K

Megan Kon, public affairs specialist at the Augusta VA in Georgia, reports that VA staff will follow the footsteps of 9/11 hero New York City firefighter Stephen Siller in their annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk.

“This event ensures that we never forget and honor the sacrifices of nation’s first responders and military heroes,” she said.

Memorial events

Terry McGuire, public affairs officer at the Western New York VA, announces that Chaplain Peter Ferris and his chaplain service team will hold memorial events at the Buffalo medical center and the facility in Batavia, New York, Sept. 12.

War on Terrorism Wall

Melanie L. Thomas, public affairs officer at the Orlando VA, reports the War on Terrorism Wall will be at the Orlando VA from Sept. 6 through 16.

The wall is 6.5 tall by 24 feet long. Dedicated in October 2017, it consists of eight granite panels and has a 13-foot steel beam from the World Trade Center wreckage atop concrete columns that represent the twin towers.

Homeless Veterans Stand Down

A commemorative moment was held during the opening ceremony of a Homeless Veterans Stand Down Sept. 9 in Montgomery, Alabama, according to Sheila Marie Austin, public affairs officer at the Central Alabama VA. The event was live streamed for those not in attendance.

Wreath ceremony

Fresno VA will place a wreath in their Walk of Honor Memorial Garden. They will partner with the Fresno Kiwanis Club for the annual Valley Heroes Parade and Festival.

BBQ

Salt Lake City VA hosted a BBQ Sept. 8 for 500 Veterans. Staff also distributed gifts to all in-patient Veterans including a blanket, thermos, card games and assorted toiletries.

Facebook Live ceremony

Cleveland VA had a 9/11 Ceremony streamed on Facebook live on Sept. 9. The Cleveland Institute of Music performed the national anthem and God Bless America.

Lapel pins

Muskogee VA handed out over 1,000 lapel pins to Veterans. Moments of silence will be announced at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at all sites over intercom systems. Muskogee High School ROTC will perform drill ceremonies on campus.

9/11-Wing Family Day

Maine VA will participate in the 9/11-Wing Family Day with the 101st Air Wing and the Maine Air National Guard Military and Family Readiness Office. Over 700 attendees are expected.

Schuckers baseball game

Biloxi VA’s director will have a radio interview at the 9/11 Shuckers minor league baseball game. The game will be dedicated to the military. Plans are for a Veteran to throw out the first pitch.