This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country. In recognition of this occasion, on Sunday, Sept. 11, the public safety departments of the Roanoke Valley will host a regional remembrance ceremony in downtown Roanoke.  This is an opportunity for residents of the Roanoke Valley to come together and reflect on the events of 9/11, and remember those who were lost on that day.

Beginning at 4 p.m., public safety displays will be located on downtown streets near Market Square including fire trucks, patrol cars, armored vehicles, and tactical vehicles. Police officers, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and EMS personnel will be on hand to talk with citizens about how 9/11 has changed public safety practices. In addition, memorial videos depicting those lost on 9/11 will be available for viewing. A formal ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. in the Market area with U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte as the keynote speaker, and remarks from representatives of participating localities. In addition, the ceremony will include the presentation of colors from a joint color guard and patriotic music.

This regional event is being coordinated by Fire and Rescue, Police, Sheriff, and Public Information staff from the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, the Town of Vinton, and Roanoke County. Invitations to participate have also been extended to neighboring counties.

To accommodate the displays and the ceremony, the following downtown streets will be closed:
• Campbell Avenue, between Jefferson Street and Williamson Road,
• Market Street, between Salem Avenue and Church Avenue,
• Wall Street between Salem Avenue and Campbell Avenue, and
• Kirk Avenue, at Market Street.

Free parking will be available in city garages including Market Garage at 25 Church Ave., and Tower Garage at 10 S. Jefferson St. The Center in the Square Garage will not be accessible to the public. For more downtown parking information, visit www.roanokeva.gov/parking

The event will be held rain or shine, with a rain location at the Roanoke Civic Center. For more information about the event, please contact City of Roanoke Public Information Officer Melinda Mayo at 540-853-6357 or at melinda.mayo@roanokeva.gov; or Roanoke County Director of Public Information Teresa Hall at 540-772-2010 or at thall@roanokecountyva.gov.