A 39th District Tribute: Remembering 9/11 Across Our Community

This week, we pause in solemn remembrance of September 11, 2001—a day that forever altered our nation. Each of us remembers where we were when we saw the images, heard the news, and felt the weight of the moment. The grief was shared, yet so was the unity. Neighbors became caretakers, communities became lifelines.

Local Remembrance Events Across the 39th District

Most of the 9/11 Memorial Events listed below were included in a post by Delmarva Live of WBOC. We thank them for taking the time to compile and share the list.

This list may not include all events taking place in Sussex County Delaware and nearby Maryland. Plans for the events below may have changed since the information was gathered. 

Lewes DE – Whitford Family Patriot Day Service.

5 p.m. on September 11 the Whitford family invites the public to their annual Patriot Day Service at 17181 Minos Conaway Road, Lewes. The memorial honors their son Mark, a firefighter lost on 9/11, and all 2,977 victims. Visitors are welcome year-round.

Millsboro DE - American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 Candlelight Ceremony.

6 p.m. on September 11, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 will hold its annual public candlelight ceremony at the American Legion Riders Chapter 28 Millsboro De pavilion, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro.

Dover DE - 9/11 Memorial at AMC Museum

Outside the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover AFB stands a permanent 9/11 memorial featuring two steel pieces from the North Tower, a rock from the Flight 93 crash site, and a Pentagon block—a reflective site for personal visits on or before the anniversary.

Oceanview DE - VFW Post 7234 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

29265 Marshy Hope Way, Delaware 19970

On Thursday, September 11, beginning at 8:30 AM, Mason - Dixon VFW Post 7234 will host a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony marking the 24th Anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The Ceremony will take place in the Post Parking Lot near the Gazebo and will include participation by the Post Honor Guard, music by Bernie Busby, and a giant U.S. Flag display provided by ProWorks. The Ceremony will last less than an hour. It is open to all Post Members and the Public. In the case of inclement weather, the Ceremony will be moved indoors.

Ocean City MD – Remembrance Beams of Light & Daily Evening Memorials

The Ocean City Fire Department will present twin “Beams of Light” from dusk through September 11 at the Firefighter’s Memorial on North Division Street and the Boardwalk, accompanied nightly by Taps and family-oriented video tributes, leading up to a morning tribute from 8:46 a.m. to 10:28 a.m. and a joint memorial service at 12 p.m. on September 11. 

Ocean City MD – “Parade of Brothers” Motorcycle Ride and Memorial Service

The MD3 Red Knights Motorcycle Club will host the 23rd Annual “Parade of Brothers” on September 11. Registration begins at 27th Street & Boardwalk at 10 a.m., ride begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12 p.m. at North Division Street and the Boardwalk, then a scenic ride through Delmarva ending at Roxana Moose Lodge around 1 p.m.

Salisbury MD - City of Salisbury, Maryland, through its Fire and Police Departments, will host a remembrance ceremony on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Fire Station 16 to honor the victims and heroes of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Bethany Beach Boardwalk by the bandstand:

Gather at 8:00 a.m. Flag salute and prayer at 8:30 a.m.This special moment honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost on that fateful day and the enduring strength of our nation.

Reflections from Our Community

That day marked the end of innocence for so many families, The weight of that moment remains.

But what followed—bravery, unity, selflessness—is how we choose to live every day. It’s in the first responders’ dedication, neighbors looking out for neighbors, and small acts of kindness that define us. Let this day not only be one of remembrance, but of renewed commitment—to serve, to cherish, and to stand together.

As the 39th District, we remember—together—in unity, reverence, and action.