The Rock Island Arsenal and the Rock Island National Cemetery will host a 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance on Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11. All events are open to public participation.
The day will kick off with a 2.5-mile 9/11 Remembrance Walk beginning at 6:30 a.m. at Memorial Field. Walkers are to assemble at 6 a.m. at the Memorial Field parking lot.
The Rock Island National Cemetery will host a service project and remembrance event. It begins at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. “Carry the Load: Who are you Carrying?”’ is an effort by volunteers to clean headstones and beautify VA National Cemeteries across the nation to honor and remember those who served our country.
The dress for the cemetery event is casual and respectful. All events will be outdoors. Organizers request no open toe shoes or tank tops and suggest visitors be mindful of the weather. No pets please and children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
The 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony features a speech by Col. William “Joe” Parker III, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal. It will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Rock Island Arsenal 9/11 Memorial. It’s located along Rodman Avenue across from Memorial Park.
The day will honor the 2,977 Americans who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and the subsequent 7,085 Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and DoD Civilians who have died in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
Members of the public who wish to participate should enter the Arsenal via the Moline Gate and be prepared to show valid identification.
