6 Ways to Honor the Lives Lost in 9/11

The metro Detroit events and volunteer opportunities take place on Patriot Day
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National September 11 Memorial & Museum photograph courtesy of Istock

As fall begins, the memory of 9/11 lingers in the minds of Americans everywhere. Patriot Day is a national day of service and remembrance that serves as a chance to celebrate the heroes, remember the victims, and come together as a nation to turn a tragic event into an opportunity to make a positive impact. Here’s how to honor the day in metro Detroit.

Canton Do Good Expo

The second annual Do Good Expo takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 11. Held at Canton Leisure Services, The event offers area residents a chance to participate in the national day of service and remembrance. Attendees will work on service projects like fleece blanket weaving and letter writing to first responders. For more information, visit cantonfun.org

Spirit of America Blood Drive

Since 2002, The Spirit of America Blood Drive has been a yearly event that pays tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11. Hosted not too far from the metro Detroit area at the Michigan International Speedway from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., attendees can ride the tram to a 4,000-square-foot multimedia exhibit in memory of 9/11 after making their contributions to the blood drive. For more information, visit mispeedway.com.

2019 Patriot Day Ceremony

This annual Shelby Township event features honorable speakers, a moment of silence, a performance of the the national anthem and “God Bless America,” and more. The event, which runs from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shelby Township Municipal Campus, aims to honor the loss and sacrifices of the victims of the 2001 terror attacks, public safety professionals, and other soldiers and veterans. For more information, visit shelbytwp.org.

Eastern Michigan University’s Ceremony of Remembrance

Taking place at 8:40 a.m., this ceremony is open to the public and provides a unique perspective on this day of remembrance. Scheduled activities include a prayer service, national anthem, moment of silence, words of perspective, and a chance to view the university’s memorial, which consists of one of the original steel beams from the South Tower of the World Trade Center. For more information, visit today.emich.edu.

Michigan Remembers Essay Contest

Creatives looking to participate in Patriot Day can enter in the Michigan Remembers Essay Contest. High school juniors and seniors are welcome to submit original essays based on their own reflections or research on the impact of 9/11. Essays will be accepted from Sept. 9 to Nov. 1. The first place award is $250.00, second place is $150.00, and honorable mention receives $100.00. For more information, visit michiganremembers.dreamhosters.com.

September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the City of Rochester Hills will host a ceremony at its Fire Department Headquarters. Armed services, firefighters, EMS, and members of the police station will attend in uniform. For more information, visit rochesterhills.org.