CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY/AP) — Wednesday marks 18 years since the 9/11 terror attacks.

On this day in 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed when hijacked planes rammed into the trade center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.

Sept. 11 is now recognized as Patriot day. Ceremonies are being held across the county and in Hampton Roads to remember those killed in the attack.

The victims’ names will be read aloud at ground zero in New York City, while former President George W. Bush — who was in office during the attacks — will attend a wreath-laying at the Pentagon Wednesday afternoon.

Locally, the city of Chesapeake will be holding a ceremony at its 9/11 memorial.

There will be a bell tolling at 8:46 a.m. — which is the time that the attacks started in 2001. Organizers have encouraged all faith based organizations to participate in the tolling.

There is another event scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Courtyard Square Park.

Other cities and agencies are also hosting special tributes and events today.

The city of Portsmouth is scheduled to hold a remembrance ceremony at 6 p.m. at Flagpole Stage at High Street Landing.

Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads honored the victims in a memorial walk and remembrance.

Personnel marched around the base and then take part in a formal ceremony that included Capt. Ken Inglesby (Ret), who worked at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

Newport News held a ceremony at the the Police and Fire memorial in front of city hall Wednesday.

State Farm agents in Virginia are coming together to honor local first responders.

They’ve coordinated a free lunch for first responders with food from Blackwater BBQ to mark the occasion and honor those who responded to the recent mass shooting in Virginia Beach.

The lunch is happening from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.