Memorials, Day Of Service Planned To Commemorate 9/11

Today marks 11 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks and there are many ways to commemorate the day around the Washington area. 

Arlington National Cemetery observed a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m., the moment of the attack on the Pentagon. The Pentagon Memorial itself was closed until noon for a private ceremony, then open to the public.

There are prayers planned for military service members and the victims of the attacks at the National Cathedral throughout the day at the regularly scheduled services. The morning prayers are usually low-key, involving mostly Cathedral staffers. Today, 13 worshippers gathered.

"Just to be here in this place today, I just thought it was something special that we needed to do while we were here," says Julie Nuteson, one of those in attendance.

Hundreds of volunteers have committed to a day of service in downtown D.C. The event is hosted by Serve DC at Freedom Plaza from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The day will focus on service to support veterans and first responders and include emergency preparedness training and a volunteer recruitment fair.  

At the U.S. Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue, a wreath will be laid at 4 p.m. The City of Leesburg hosts a remembrance ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on the town green.

All day, visitors can observe photography at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. The exhibit, titled "Still Standing — Still Free," includes dozens of images of the Pentagon taken on Sept. 11, 2001 — some of which have never been seen before.