GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Scouting America's Michigan Crossroads Council will host the annual 9/11 Community Day of Remembrance on Friday at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

It will run from sun up to sun down. The 9/11 event marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and honors the lives who lost their lives and those who responded. The council's deputy scout executive, Aaron Gach, tells us the event is open to everyone.

You can also participate remotely.

"Take a few minutes out of your day - wherever you are - to remember and honor," Gach said in a telephone interview with WOOD Radio News.

"And then, interact with us on social media. And in that way, you'll be joining thousands of others across our entire state who are taking time out of their day to honor and remember."

Besides the Community Remembrance in downtown Grand Rapids, similar salutes are taking place on 9/11 in nine other locations across the state ... including one at the Hamilton Veterans Memorial. That one is near the Heath Township offices on M-40 in Allegan County. It will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hillsdale College will be promoting a community event, as well, to commemorate 9/11. Information about that is at the bottom of this story.

Here are more details from a news release sent by organizers:

Throughout the day, Scouts and members of the general public will stand in salute while special ceremonies commemorate the events of Sept. 11, 2001, honoring those who lost their lives and recognizing the service and sacrifice of first responders. Bell-ringing ceremonies will mark the times of the attacks, providing moments of reflection and remembrance throughout the day.

The commemorative program will include a performance by the Salvation Army Band, remarks from Michigan Crossroads Council President Tim Ekola and Grand Rapids Fire Chief Brad Brown, who will join Scouts and community members in reflecting on the events of September 11, 2001, and the lasting impact of that day 25 years later.

Whether you're attending a community ceremony or observing privately, we invite you to share a photo of your salute in remembrance of September 11. Post your photos on Facebook, Instagram, Google Photos, or your preferred social media platform using #911Salute and #ScoutSalute to help honor those we lost and those who served.

Details regarding locations can be found at 9/11 Salute | Scouting America – Never Forget

Facebook: Facebook

Instagram: 2026 9/11 Salute and Day of Remembrance - Google Photos

GRAND RAPIDS:

· For the 25th year, the community is invited to join Scouting America Michigan Crossroads Council at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum for the annual Sept. 11 Community Day of Remembrance and Scout Salute, honoring those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

· At 7:15 a.m., an Honor Guard will lower the flag to begin the day's observance, followed by the official start of the Scout Salute at 7:17 a.m. Scouts will stand in salute throughout the day as the community reflects on the events of Sept. 11 and honors the sacrifices of first responders.

· Bell-ringing ceremonies conducted by Grand Rapids Fire Department representative Ken Chudy will mark the times of the attacks: 8:46 a.m. (South Tower), 9:03 a.m. (North Tower), 9:37 a.m. (Pentagon), and 10:03 a.m. (United Airlines Flight 93).

· At 5:30 p.m., the Salvation Army Band will perform as part of the evening remembrance activities.

· Beginning at 6:10 p.m., attendees will hear remarks from Michigan Crossroads Council President Tim Ekola, followed by a presentation from Grand Rapids Fire Chief at 6:15 p.m.

· The day will conclude with a Closing Benediction at 7:00 p.m. and a Final Scout Salute with Echo Taps performed by the Salvation Army Band at 7:59 p.m., marking the close of the observance at sunset.

ALBION:

· Location: Riverside Cemetery

· Address: 1301 S Superior St., Albion, MI 49224

· Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

BRIGHTON:

· Location: Brighton Area Fire Authority

· Address: 615 W. Grand River Ave., Brighton, MI 48116

· Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

DELTON:

· Location: William Smith Park

· Address: 210 E. Orchard St., Delton, MI 49046

· Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

DUNDEE:

· Location: Dundee Civil War Memorial

· Address: Approximately 150 Riley St., Dundee, MI 48131

· Time: 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

FARMINGTON:

· Location: Riley Park

· Address: 33113 Grand River Ave., Farmington, MI 48336

· Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

· VFW program begins at 6:00 p.m. recognizing veterans.

HAMILTON:

· Location: Hamilton Veterans Memorial

· Address: 3440 M-40, Hamilton, MI 49419

· Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

MADISON HEIGHTS:

· Location: Madison Heights Fire Station

· Address: 31313 Brush St., Madison Heights, MI 48071

· Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

· Includes a Flag Retirement Ceremony.

RIVERVIEW:

· Location: Young Patriots Park

· Address: 18500 Civic Center Drive, Riverview, MI 48193

· Date: September 10

· Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

TRAVERSE CITY:

· Location: Grand Traverse Metro Fire Station

· Address: 897 Parsons Rd., Traverse City, MI 49696

· Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum – Grand Rapids Schedule

Community and Scouts continuously salute from sunrise to sunset.

5:00 a.m. – Media interviews (Scout Coordinated)

6:00 a.m. – Setup

7:15 a.m. – Honor Guard lowers flag

7:17 a.m. – Sunrise, Scout Salute begins

8:46 a.m. – Bell ringing for South Tower

9:03 a.m. – Bell ringing for North Tower

9:37 a.m. – Bell ringing for Pentagon

10:03 a.m. – Bell ringing for United Airlines Flight 93

5:30 p.m. – Salvation Army Band performance

6:10 p.m. – Remarks by Council President Tim Ekola

6:15 p.m. – Program featuring Grand Rapids Fire Chief Brad Brown

7:00 p.m. – Closing Benediction

7:59 p.m. – Final Scout Salute with Echo Taps

8:00 p.m. – Sunset, Scout Salute concludes

-------------------------------------------Hillsdale College event:

Community members are invited to join Hillsdale College and Hillsdale County fire departments in marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and honoring those who lost their lives that day. The event will include prayer, the National Anthem, recognition of the 343 FDNY firefighters and other first responders who gave their lives, and a memorial stair climb by firefighters in gear. Community members are invited to walk the track and view a storyboard depicting the events of 9/11.

At noon, the community is invited to participate in the student flag ceremony at the civil war statue.

In the evening, visiting musicians Chuck Seipp and Craig Williams will perform a patriotic program titled “Spirit of America” on trumpet, organ, and piano. The performance is open to the public, and admission is free.

WHEN

Friday, Sept. 11

Flag ceremony: Noon

Community event: 6 p.m.

Performance: 7:30 p.m.

WHERE

Flag Ceremony:

Civil War Statue (in front of Central Hall)

33 E. College St.

Community event:

Muddy Waters Stadium

201 Oak St.

Performance:

Christ Chapel

18 E. Galloway Dr.

About Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College is an independent, nonsectarian, Christian liberal arts college located in southern Michigan. Founded in 1844, the College has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies, even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts an outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 7.5 million. For more information, visit Hillsdale.edu .

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