Remembering September 11 near Oakton

Tuesday is Sept. 11 — the 11th anniversary of the worst terrorist act on U.S. soil.

Since 2009, Sept. 11 has been designated as a day of service. Read more about it here, or contact your favorite local nonprofit, school or other organization that can use your help if you want to volunteer your time.

Want to remember and reflect today? Here are some places to do so:

Fairfax County will host a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, Fire Chief Ronald L. Mastin and Police Chief Col. David M. Rohrer are scheduled to deliver remarks reflecting upon the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The Public Safety Honor Guard and Fairfax County Carolers will also be participating in the ceremony.

The public is invited to attend; please arrive by 8:15 a.m. The ceremony will take place in the Government Center Forum, followed by a procession outside to the 9/11 Memorial Grove (weather permitting).

The Fairfax County Memorial Grove was the first U.S. memorial commemorating the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, to be built on public space involving federal and local government collaboration with the community in an area where residents were personally affected by the tragedy through loss of life or participation in rescue efforts. It was designed by National Park Service landscape architect and Fairfax County Tree Commissioner Michael McMahon.

The Memorial Grove is located on the grounds of the Fairfax County Government Center.

• Read more about symbolism of grove.
• Map and directions to the Government Center.

The Town of Vienna will host a September 11 Commemoration Event from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Freeman Store and Museum, 131 Church Street NE.

The town hosts a celebration annually to honor lives lost during the attack,

This year's speakers: Mark W. Mishoe, a Chief Warrant Officer Five with the Army National Guard, is the keynote speaker.

"The public is invited to remember those who lost their lives and to show support for those engaged in the ongoing fight against terrorism," the town said in a release.

"A Day to Remember" is sponsored by the town and Vienna’s American Legion Post 180.

This McLean

George Mason University

There will be a Sept. 11 commemorative event this Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Mason Pond on Campus. There will be 2,996 illuminarias displayed to honor each person who lost their life on Sept. 11.  At 9:11 p.m., there will be a moment of silence to remember the victims and then a floating lantern for each country (60) who lost citizens in the terrorist attacks.  

Reston's Freedom Grove

In 2002, Reston Association  dedicated Freedom Grove,  a section along a path at  to Norma Cruz Khan and Leonard Taylor, Restonians who were aboard American Airlines Flight 77, which hijackers crashed into the Pentagon.

It is a peaceful spot to stop and think about the victims and their families.

Pentagon Memorial

The Pentagon Memorial is free and open 24 hours a day. It is located at 1 Rotary Road on the Pentagon reservation in Arlington. No formal services are planned, but the community is welcome to visit the memorial.

For activities near Arlington, click here.