Stafford to Remember Fallen at Annual 9/11 Ceremony

Stafford County invites all members of the public to its annual 9/11 ceremony in recognition and remembrance of the lives lost in the September 11, 2001, attacks. This year marks 23 years since more than 3,000 people died during attacks on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and the skies over Shanksville, PA.

Stafford County has held an annual bell-ringing ceremony since the year after 9/11. Speakers include Stafford County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Meg Bohmke, Falmouth District, Stafford County Fire and Rescue Chief Joseph Cardello and Sheriff David Decatur from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

"This ceremony is so that we may bear witness and honor those who perished," said Chairwoman Meg Bohmke. "We also reaffirm our commitment to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again."

The ceremony takes place near the entrance to the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554, at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. A bell-ringing ceremony will be performed that involves five tolls, a signal that traditionally marked the safe return of firefighters to the station. The bell ringing is also used at funerals for fire and rescue personnel.

Chairwoman Bohmke will be the keynote speaker. The order of events is listed below:

• Welcome - Chairwoman Meg Bohnke
• Introduction of the Chaplain - Chairwoman Bohmke
• Invocation - Pastor Chris Brown
• Presentation of the Colors and Singing of the National Anthem
• Remarks - Chairwoman Bohmke
• Remarks - Sheriff David Decatur
• Remarks - Chief Joseph Cardello
• Bell Ringing Ceremony - Chief Cardello
• Taps - Honor Guard
• Dismissal - Chairwoman Meg Bohmke