9/11 Service of Remembrance: 25th Anniversary planned at The War Memorial
GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Aug. 20, 2026 – As our nation marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, family, friends, and community members are invited to gather at The War Memorial for a solemn ceremony of remembrance and reflection. This milestone anniversary honors the lives lost, the courage of the first responders and service members who answered the call, and the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that emerged in the wake of that tragic day.
The Service of Remembrance will be held on Friday, Sept. 11 at 8:30 a.m. on the lakefront lawn of the historic Alger House at The War Memorial.
“As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, we come together to honor the lives that were taken, recognize the extraordinary courage of those who answered the call to serve, and reaffirm the resilience that has defined our nation ever since,” Maria Miller, president & CEO of The War Memorial, said. “This ceremony is an opportunity to remember not only the profound loss we experienced, but also the compassion, unity, and strength that emerged in its wake. We owe it to those we lost, the survivors, the families, and the first responders to ensure their stories continue to be remembered by future generations.”
This year’s personal reflection will be provided by Grosse Pointe Farms Mayor John Gillooly. The ceremony will also include Color Guard Procession led by Navy Talent Acquisition Group Heartland; a performance of “Rise Up” by Kisma Jordan and Gary Johnson; a performance of “Can’t Cry Hard Enough” by JC Whitelaw; remarks from Fr. Andrew Van Culin of Christ Church Grosse Pointe; and more.
Three moments of silence will take place at the service – one each representing when American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center, and one moment of silence representing when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A reading of the Michigan lives lost in the attacks will also be held.
A coffee social hour will be held in the Alger Center Community Room after the service for all to gather for conversation, reflection, and fellowship.
The Service of Remembrance is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is requested. The event will also be livestreamed on The War Memorial’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
What: 9/11 Service of Remembrance: 25th Anniversary
Where: The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, is a nonprofit cultural and community center dedicated to honoring veterans, enriching lives, and bringing people together through meaningful experiences. For more than 75 years, The War Memorial has welcomed thousands of guests annually for arts and cultural programming, patriotic observances, educational opportunities, community events, and private gatherings across its historic lakefront property.
As a dynamic and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan, The War Memorial remains committed to fostering community engagement through accessible programs that recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans and provide opportunities that spark connection, learning, creativity, and civic engagement. The organization proudly upholds this legacy of service while creating a sense of belonging for everyone from everywhere.
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Patriotic Programming and Communications Administrator
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org