Portsmouth, VA. (WAVY) — This Thursday marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people. Cities throughout Hampton Roads areas will be hosting events to honor the lives lost and forever changed. Some events may take place a few days before or after September 11, 2025.
Virginia Beach
The Virginia Beach Fire Department will hold a ceremony at the Harry E. Diezel Fire Training Center, 927. S. Birdneck Road, at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11. Fire Chief Kenneth Pravetz will provide opening remarks along with special guest speaker, Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer, former VBFD Fire Chief Steven Cover and Dennis Keane, former VA-TF2 and VBFD member.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department was recently gifted a steel beam from Tower 2 North Face Column Center 245 floors 55-58 of the Twin Towers that has been made into a memorial at the Fire Training Center.
9/11 Cape Henry Lighthouse climb: From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 11, the Virginia Beach Fire Department will climb the lighthouse stairs 10 times to equal the number of stairs climbed in the Twin Towers. Lighthouse placement on the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story has specific requirements for base access.
9/11 Heroes 5K Run: Starting at 8:30 a.m. on September 20, 2025, the Military Aviation Museum will hold a 5K run for people of all fitness levels. Participants can pick up a packet on Sept. 17 and can register to volunteer by the day of the run.
Hampton
A 9/11 Memorial Service is being held at Hampton Fire Station #3 on Sept. 11, 2025 at 10 a.m. The fire station is located at 1911 Pembroke Avenue.
Portsmouth
Chuchland Masonic Lodge First Responders Cookout: The Churchland Masonic Lodge No. 276 will host a cookout Sept. 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. that is free and open to the public
High Street Landing Remembrance Ceremony: On Sept. 11 the City of Portsmouth will hold a 24th anniversary remembrance ceremony commencing at 11 a.m. at High Street Landing by River Front Park
Norfolk
9/11 Remembrance Scope Stair Climb: Starting at 8 a.m. on Sept. 13, the non-profit organization, Norfolk Fire Foundation Inc, is inviting the community to climb 110 stories at the Norfolk Scope Arena. Climbers are encouraged, but not required, to wear any type of gear or uniform.
Naval Station Norfolk Remembrance ceremony: The tribute ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 11 at N-26 Flagpole, 1530 Gilbert Street, Norfolk VA 23511.
Newport News
CNU Honor and Remember Ceremony: Christopher Newport University will hold its annual remembrance ceremony at the Gaines Theatre from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sept. 11. The keynote speaker is CNU President William G. Kelly. This is open to the public.
9/11 Remembrance 5k: The veteran owned nonprofit organization, The Iron Ridge Outdoors Project, a 5K run will take place at 6 p.m. located at 1700 Brewing Company,
Faith Community Church Remembrance: Starting at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11, the local church will be holding an event to remember those whose lives were changed.
Chesapeake
Chespeake 9/11 Ceremony of Remembrance: Held at Chesapeake’s own 9/11 Memorial at Chesapeake City Park, the annual ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m.
9/11 Honoring the Heroes Workout: JBLE Langley Force Support will be holding a 35-minute silent workout for reflection and remembrance at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 11. Those who pre-register by Sept. 10 are eligible to receive a prize.
Suffolk
On Sept. 11, 2025, Suffolk Fire & Rescue will officially open Fire Station 11, which is located at 6482 Hampton Roads Parkway. That’s in North Suffolk. According to the fire department, the date of the opening was selected to pay respect to the lives forever impacted by 9/11 so that “we will never forget.” In honor of the 24th Anniversary of 9/11, a steel beam from the 92 floor of World Trade Center, Tower 1, will be on display at Fire Station 11. The Freedom Flag Foundation, founded by Suffolk native Richard Melito, is providing the section of steel, which will be on display to the public at Fire Station 11 from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Thursday.
Williamsburg
Zable Stadium Stair Climb: William & Mary will be hosting a 110 flight climb at the bleachers of Zable Stadium from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 11. Climbers can choose to join the first group at 3:30 p.m., or climbers can join later at any time until sunset. The climb is estimated to take 2-3 hours depending on the pace.
Arlington
Wreath Laying Ceremony Remembrance: The Arlington Country Government invites the public to a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ellen M. Bozman County Government Center, with spoken remarks from Captain David Santini of the Arlington County Fire Department. A moment of silence will be held at 9:37 a.m., the time the first plane struck the pentagon.
American Soldier 9/11, a Tribute to Toby Keith: The Arlington Veterans Memorial Foundation is hosting a tribute called, “American Soldier 9/11, a Tribute to Toby Keith,” starting at 7 p.m. on Sept 11., which will consist of a free concert. All sales from raffle tickets and American flags are earmarked for the Arlington Veterans Memorial Foundation.
Richmond
The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond will commemorate the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01 during the Commonwealth’s Patriot Day Ceremony, on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 at 11 a.m. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend. The keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox (U.S. Navy, Retired). Free parking is available in the Virginia War Memorial surface lot and parking deck at 621 South Belvidere Street.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
March to Remember: Starting at the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department Station 14 at 8:30 a.m., the annual walk will go to the Wright Brothers Monument and back to the station.
The Town of Duck will be holding a memorial ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. at the Town of Duck Public Safety Building, according to the Outer Banks Voice. The ceremony will include remarks from Public Safety leadership, the ringing of the bell, and a moment of silence in remembrance. All are welcome to attend.
