Local Events Planned to Commemorate 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

By Sara Farris

9/11 Memorial at Broomfield Community Park

Photo by Pat Eichner

If you have ever been to Broomfield Community Park near the library, you may have noticed a memorial tucked away on the eastern edge of the park. The bronze statues stand out against red stone, protected by trees on one side and the American flag flying overhead, as names and artistic scenes tell the story of September 11, 2001.

While the events of 9/11 happened more than 1,700 miles away from Colorado, the impact was felt across the nation as Americans tuned in to their televisions watching the unbelievable unfold. For many, that morning ended with the tragic loss of a loved one. For first responders, it brought home the mission they signed up for and the ultimate sacrifice it might require. For the vast majority, it was a reminder of just how fragile life is and how, in the midst of adversity, Americans unite and persevere.

This year marks the 20 th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and North Metro Fire Rescue District, Broomfield Police Department, the City and County of Broomfield, and the Broomfield Veterans Museum will join together to commemorate the special anniversary.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend commemorative events throughout the week.

Wednesday, September 8

Documentary Screening of Finding Daylight

Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Road – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Finding Daylight tells the story of two families who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks, including the Faughnan family, who reside in Colorado. Through the use of unique artwork and video, the documentary tells the story of how each family journeyed forward from September 11, 2001, and how they overcame grief to find healing and hope. Following the screening, film director Bettina Moss, along with Colorado-based composer, Chris Pilsner, will share insights into the making of the film. They will be joined by members of the Faughnan family to answer questions from the audience. This event is free to attend, but a reservation is required to secure your seat. Please use B-Rex.com to RSVP for the event.

9/11 Memorial at Broomfield Community Park

Photo by Pat Eichner

Saturday, September 11

9/11 Memorial Ceremony

Broomfield Amphitheater and 9/11 Memorial, 3 Community Park Road – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

This year’s 911 Memorial Ceremony will include some special additions to commemorate the 20 th anniversary. Remarks will be made by family members of Chris Faughnan, who died when the Twin Towers collapsed, retired New York Fire Department Captain John Fatta, who volunteered countless hours at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the attacks, and retired North Metro Fire Chief John O’Hayre and artist Sonny Riviera who spearheaded the creation of Broomfield’s 9/11 Memorial. The ceremony will also include an honor guard procession, flag presentation, and ceremonial bell ringing in remembrance of each site attacked on 9/11. Special music will be provided by bagpiper Michael Lancaster and Bugles Across America, and community members will have an opportunity to add notes and mementos to a special tribute wall displayed near the memorial throughout the weekend.

9/11 Memorial at Broomfield Community Park

Photo by Pat Eichner

Saturday, September 11

Special 9/11 Presentation and Documentary Screening

Broomfield Veterans Museum, 12 Garden Center, 11:00 a.m. – Speaker Presentation 12:30 p.m. – Finding Daylight Screening

Following the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, the Broomfield Veterans Museum will host a Coffee and Conversation event with a presentation by Chaplain (COL, U.S. Army, retired) Andy Meverden on how 9/11 impacted his service in the military and ministry in Afghanistan. At the conclusion of the talk, an encore screening of Finding Daylight will be shown in the museum’s presentation room downstairs. Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot.

About the 9/11 Memorial

9/11 Memorial at Broomfield Community Park

Photo by Pat Eichner

Many months after the tragic events on September 11, 2001, North Metro Fire Chief John O’Hayre was offered a piece of steel from the I-beams of the fallen World Trade Center towers. He was honored to accept the historical piece and led an initiative to build a permanent 9/11 Memorial that would incorporate the steel. More than $400,000 was raised to build the memorial through numerous fundraisers, community donations, and corporate sponsors. With additional in-kind donations, the 9/11 Memorial was built and commemorated in 2006 on the fifth anniversary of 9/11. The memorial incorporates scenes from each location attacked on September 11, and sculptures represent police officers, firefighters, and citizens helping one another in the midst of the tragedy. The names of the nearly 3,000 victims are also listed on bronze panels within the memorial.

For more on the 9/11 Memorial or to add a tribute to the living memorial online, please visit www.nmfr.org/911memorial.