9/11 Pentagon Attack Anniversary 2015: Washington, DC Memorial Events Schedule And Community Service Opportunities

Federal and local officials planned Friday to mark the fourteenth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attack in Washington, D.C., with wreath-laying ceremonies at a memorial and community service projects. While similar events were planned in New York City, where thousands died in the collapse of the twin towers at the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, remembrances in the Washington area will center on the site where a plane hit the Pentagon, in Virginia.

President Barack Obama also planned to mark the anniversary Friday. Along with first lady Michelle Obama and staff members, Obama is expected to hold a moment of silence on the south lawn of the White House Friday morning. Obama was then scheduled to meet with U.S. Military service members at the Army base in Fort Meade, Maryland.

“The president looks forward to having a conversation with the patriotic men and women who work every day to keep America safe, and to honor the sacrifices of our troops and their families,” Eric Schultz, the White House deputy press secretary, said this week.

Here is a listing of memorials and public events in the Washington, D.C.-metropolitan area:

The Pentagon Memorial, located on Boundary Channel Drive in Arlington, Virginia, commemorates the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon headquarters and on-board American Airlines Flight 77 during the terrorist attacks. The memorial site is free and open to the public every day. However, some private services were scheduled for families of the victims Friday morning.

A moment of silence and flag-raising ceremony was scheduled at Arlington National Cemetery, located near South Washington Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia. At 9:37 a.m. EDT, participants will honor attack victims and hang U.S. flags from overpasses and buildings across Arlington County.

A free organ recital in memory of 9/11 victims will be held at the National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW in Washington, from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. EDT. Organist John Cannon performs works by Dietrich Buxtehude, Johannes Brahms and M. Searle Wright, among other composers, according to a Washington Post listing.

A National Day of Service event gives community service opportunities Friday to thousands of area volunteers at more than 50 nonprofit organizations. With some coordination by the United We Serve coalition, participants clean parks, renovate playgrounds and work in food pantries.