East Tennessee to commemorate 9/11

The City of Knoxville and Knox County will hold a joint 9/11 Memorial Service on Sunday, Sept. 11 to honor those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks 15 years ago.

The observance – led by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, the Knoxville Police Department and the Knoxville Fire Department – will begin at 8:40 a.m. on Sept. 11 in front of the City County Building, 400 Main St.

A moment of silence will be held, and the names of three 9/11 victims with ties to East Tennessee will be read. The ceremony also will recognize local first responders who went to New York City to aid with search and recovery. In addition, a wreath will be displayed all day at the 9/11 memorial on the lawn in front of the City County Building. First Baptist Church will ring bells during the observance.

There will be a partial closure of the eastbound lane of Main Street nearest the sidewalk beginning at 7:30 a.m. During the Memorial Service, both lanes of Main Street will be closed. The street will reopen at 8:55 a.m.

In addition, the Oak Ridge Fire Department and the Oak Ridge High School 9/11 WTC Committee will commemorate the tragic events by unveiling a new flagpole that was added this year and dedicating it in memory of the victims.

"Thanks to generous donations from the American Legion Post 2 out of Knoxville and from Woodmen of the World, the site is now home to a 30-foot flagpole that is capable of flying a flag all the time," officials said in a released statement. "We invite the community to be a part of this event with us, as we remember all the lives lost that day. Please join us starting at 7:45 a.m. on September 11, 2016. The event will be held in the bus loop at Oak Ridge High School on the Providence Road side."