Numerous events are planned across the metropolitan area.
Arizona’s Sen. John McCain is expected to attend the Patriot Day Celebration in Phoenix.
A Heroes Festival in Chandler will honor the victims of 9/11 and celebrate current police officers and firefighters.
In Scottsdale, a retired New York City firefighter who participated in the rescue effort will be the keynote speaker at today’s 9/11 Day of Remembrance observance.
Exhibits will include a 9/11 Memorial Wall with 2,996 memorial cards with biographical information and photographs of the victims.
Here is a list of remembrance events Saturday and Sunday:
SATURDAY, 9/11:
Patriot Day Celebration: 1-6 p.m. All military and first-responder citizens and families of service personnel are also honored. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Fighter Country Foundation, an organization that supports programs and services at Luke Air Force Base for airmen and their families in need. Donations of new or gently used blankets for Afghan refugees are also collected. Free. Fumar Cigars, 2010 W. Parkside Lane, Suite 110, Phoenix. 623-594-4020. www.fumarcigars911.org.
Patriot Day Celebration 1-6 p.m. Commemorate first responders, civilians and heroes who were killed on 9/11 and honor service personnel and their families who continue to serve our country, make sacrifices and defend freedom every day. Food and drink are available for purchase. Military personnel receive free food and drinks. Proceeds benefit the Fighter Country Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides aid and support to airmen and their families at Luke Air Force Base in Litchfield Park. New or gently used blankets are also collected for Afghan refugees. Free, food and drink prices vary. Fumar Cigars, 2010 W. Parkside Lane, Suite 110, Phoenix. 623-594-4020.www.fumarcigars911.org.
Patriot Day – A Day to Remember: 9-10 a.m. Nine years have passed since the 2001 terrorist attacks. Queen Creek is honoring those who were lost with a ceremony that includes a color guard and flag ceremony, singing of the national anthem, memorial prayers, laying memorial wreaths, ringing of bells and remarks by local American Legion representatives, elected officials and others. . Free. Queen Creek Branch Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek602-652-3000. www.mcldaz.org.
Heroes Festival: 10 a.m. The festival honors those lost during the Sept. 11 attacks and celebrates the police officers and firefighters who continue to serve. The event features a special tribute to Sept. 11 heroes, live music, entertainment by comedian Mark Cordes, “The Spouse Whisperer,” food and drinks. All proceeds from the event benefit the 100 Club of Arizona, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to public-safety officers and firefighters who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. $10. Ashley Manor, 1380 S. Price Road, Chandler. www.theheroesfestival.com,
Heroes Festival Motorcycle Ride: 9 a.m. Ashley Manor in Chandler hosts this remembrance of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. The day begins with a ride from Cave Creek to Chandler, followed by a special tribute at Ashley Manor that features live music, comedian Mark Cordes, and food and drink. The tribute begins about 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the 100 Club of Arizona, a non-profit organization that provides immediate financial support to public safety officers and firefighters who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. $20 ride and tribute event, $10 tribute event. Cave Creek Farmers Market, 6032 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek.www.theheroesfestival.com or 480-375-5278.
Free Ice Cream for First Responders: Noon-8 p.m. Sweet Republic offers free ice cream to police officers, firefighters, emergency-room personal and emergency medical technicians, with valid ID. Sweet Republic, 9160 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-248-6979.www.sweetrepublic.com.
Patriot’s Day Free Tennis Clinic: 8-9 a.m. Servicemen and women are invited to attend a complimentary tennis clinic taught by Carlos Hassey, the Wigwam’s director of tennis and United States Professional Tennis Association professional. Service IDs must be presented. Free. Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. 623-935-3811. www.wigwamresort.com.
Patriot’s Day Greens Fees: All servicemen and women are invited to play a round of golf on any of the resort’s three championship courses for $20. Reserved tee times and service IDs required. $20. Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, 300 Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. 623-935-9414. www.wigwamresort.com.
Patriot’s Day Letter Writing To The Troops and Care Package Drive: 7 a.m.-noon. Items are being collected to create care packages for the troops. Donations of non-perishable food items, sports equipment, hygiene supplies, magazines and books are being collected. Participants are also invited to write letters to the troops. Letter writing supplies are available at the restaurant. Free. The Grill at the Wigwam, Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa 451 Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. 623-856-1094.soldiersangels.org/donating-items.html.
September Concert for Peace: 8 p.m. This evening commemorates the events of Sept. 11 while promoting international peace. The evening includes musical performances by the Vocal Jazz Ensemble from Chandler-Gilbert Community College, traditional Irish music from the Strand, Folklorico dancers, Irish step dancers from the Bracken School of Irish Dance, Native American dancers, and local progressive rockers Story Teller and others. Free. Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort, 1 San Marcos Place, Chandler. 480-812-0900. www.chandleririshculturalcouncil.org.
9/11 Memorial Event: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. The ninth anniversary of 9/11 is honored with a car show. A moment of silence begins the show, which is opened by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. An honorary afterburner display by the Invader and Sizzler jet cars follows. Shows feature offroad trucks and buggies, motorcross, car and bike shows. Live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Operation Homefront of Arizona, a non-profit organization that assists families of service members. $20, $10 military, free for age 12 and younger and for military in uniform. Speedworld Raceway Park Complex, 19421 W. Jomax Road, Wittmann. 623-388-2424. www.speedworlddragstrip.com.
Songs of Humanity: A 9/11 Commemorative Concert: 7:30 p.m. Join the Tucson Multi-Faith Alliance for an evening of music, held in honor of the 9/11 anniversary. There will be solo and group musicians, and instrumental performances. Also find an exhibit of youth artwork that promotes non-violence. Donations of non-perishable food for the Community Food Bank are requested. Free. Temple Emanu-El, 225 N. Country Club Road, Tucson. 520-327-4501. www.templeemanueltucson.org.
SAT-SUN, 9/11-12:
Salute to Our Heroes: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Members of the military, veterans and 9/11 first responders and their families can slide down an 830-foot water roller coaster known as Maximum Velocity or ride a level-five rapid river ride that drops guests 57 feet. Family friendly activities of water slides, playgrounds and pools are also featured. Pizza, hot dogs and salads are available for purchase. Present official ID or badge at ticket window. $17.50 military, veterans and 9/11 first responders, $19.99 family members. Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix, 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale. 623-201-2000.phoenix.mywetnwild.com/.
SUNDAY, 9/12:
First Responders Recognition: 9 a.m. This service honors all police and fire crews that are first to respond in a crisis situation. A light lunch follows the service. Free. Bethany Lutheran Church, 4300 N. 82nd St., Scottsdale. 480-947-5525. blcinfo.org.
Remember 9/11 5K: 6:45 a.m. Red, white and blue attire is encouraged at this remembrance run. Proceeds benefit the Arizona National Guard Emergency Relief Fund. Registration begins on-site at 5:30 a.m. $20, $18 for military, police, firefighters and people who use wheelchairs. Westgate City Center, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale. 623-362-8438. www.active.com/running/glendale-az/remember-911-5k-run-and-fun-walk-2010.
Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance Day: 2-3:30 p.m. The observance begins with music from the Arizona National Guard’s 108th Army Band. Tributes are offered to active duty and Arizona veterans, and to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11. A presentation recognizes those that are missing in action and prisoners of war. Hosted by the Carl Hayden High School Junior ROTC. Free. Carl Hayden High School, 3333 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 480-595-8089. www.phxhs.k12.az.us.