Central Florida, September 5, 2025
News Summary
This weekend, Central Florida will remember the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with several events across the region. Communities will hold memorial ceremonies, candlelight vigils, and charity runs to honor victims, first responders, and survivors. Events range from morning services to evening vigils, providing opportunities for reflection and unity among attendees. Local organizations have planned inclusive activities, allowing everyone to participate in honoring this significant day.
Central Florida
Central Florida will host a series of remembrance events this weekend and on Thursday, Sept. 11, marking the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Communities across the region are holding ceremonies, memorial displays, candlelight vigils, and benefit runs and walks aimed at honoring victims, first responders, and survivors while encouraging reflection and unity.
What is happening and when
Local governments, veterans groups, fire and police departments, and community organizations have scheduled multiple events between Saturday, Sept. 6, and Thursday, Sept. 11. Events range from morning memorial services to evening candlelight vigils and include several benefit runs and walks. The schedule includes both publicly accessible memorial displays and organized programs with guest speakers and ceremonial elements.
Events on Saturday, Sept. 6
- Melbourne 9/11 Memorial 5K — 7:30 a.m., Eau Gallie Square, 1453 Highland Ave. This run benefits Melbourne firefighters.
- 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Rockledge — 9 a.m., Rockledge Civic Hub, 530 Barton Blvd. Program elements include musical tributes, speakers, and a wreath-laying ceremony.
- Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk — 7:30 a.m., Cranes Roost Park, Altamonte Springs.
Events on Thursday, Sept. 11 (Patriot Day)
- Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Sacrifice Park, 120 Malabar Road SE. The program will include guest speakers and time for reflection.
- Remember Sept. 11, 2001 — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Avenue Viera, 2261 Town Center Ave., Melbourne. A World Trade Center memorial display of flowers and flags will be on view.
- 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony — 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, Merritt Island. The event will feature police and fire color guards, a Fife and Drum Corps, and speakers from New York City and Washington, D.C.
- September 11th Candlelight Memorial Service — 6:30 p.m., Heroes Memorial Park, Palm Coast Parkway NW. The service is organized as an evening vigil to honor those lost.
- 9/11 Memorial Ceremony — 10 a.m., Clermont Arts and Recreation Center.
- 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony — 11 a.m., Lake Nona VA Medical Center, with keynote remarks by U.S. Army Veteran Calvin Wimbish.
- 9/11 Remembrance and Candlelight Ceremony — 7 p.m., Orlando Fire Station 1, 78 W Central Blvd.
- Honoring Our Heroes Walk — 5:30 p.m., South Central Park, Winter Haven.
- 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony — 8:30 a.m., 1605 S Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater.
Purpose and what attendees can expect
Organizers emphasize that events are intended to provide space for reflection, remembrance, and community solidarity. Programming varies by event: some include formal ceremonies with guest speakers, wreath-laying, and color guards; others offer memorial displays where visitors can leave flowers and flags; and several are benefit runs or walks that raise funds for local first-responder groups. Candlelight vigils and evening ceremonies provide quiet memorial settings for families and community members.
Attendance policies, registration requirements, and potential fees differ by event. Benefit races frequently require prior registration or an entry fee; many remembrance ceremonies and memorial displays are publicly accessible without charge. Participants are advised to consult sponsoring organizations for details on registration, donations, accessibility, and any health or safety guidelines in effect on the day of the event.
Safety and community guidance
Local authorities typically coordinate logistics for public gatherings on significant dates, including traffic control, parking, and crowd safety. Event organizers commonly recommend arriving early for popular ceremonies, following posted directions, and respecting signage and on-site guidance from volunteers and officials. Those planning to attend are encouraged to check with individual event organizers about accessibility accommodations and any required registration for runs or benefit events.
How to add or update an event
Community members and organizations with additional events scheduled for the 24th anniversary are being invited to share details with local organizers so they can be included in broader community listings. Interested parties should contact the event organizers or local community event coordinators to request additions or updates.
Background
The Sept. 11, 2001, attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and prompted annual nationwide observances to honor victims, first responders, and those affected by the events. Patriot Day on Sept. 11 is observed each year with formal and informal acts of remembrance, including ceremonies, memorial placements, and volunteer-driven tributes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Central Florida 9/11 remembrance events scheduled?
Events are scheduled across Central Florida on Saturday, Sept. 6, and on Thursday, Sept. 11, with activities occurring throughout the day and into the evening depending on the location and event type.
Are the events open to the public?
Many memorial ceremonies and displays are open to the public without charge. Some runs and organized benefit events typically require registration and may charge an entry fee. Check with individual event organizers for attendance and registration details.
What types of events are planned?
Planned events include formal remembrance ceremonies, memorial displays of flowers and flags, candlelight vigils, benefit 5K runs and walks, and community walks honoring first responders and victims.
Can groups or individuals add an event to the community list?
Yes. Community organizers are accepting submissions to include additional events in regional listings. Contact the relevant local coordinators or organizers to provide event details for inclusion.
Is there guidance for attendees regarding safety and accessibility?
Attendees should follow posted directions and event-specific guidance. Organizers typically provide information about parking, accessibility, and any public health measures in place. Arriving early is recommended for larger ceremonies.
Event Summary Chart
| Event Type | Number of Events |
|---|---|
| Remembrance ceremonies | 6 |
| Candlelight vigils | 2 |
| 5K runs | 2 |
| Walks | 1 |
| Memorial display | 1 |
| Total listed events | 12 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Click Orlando: 9/11 Ceremonies in Central Florida
- Space Coast Daily: 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Melbourne
- WFTV: Guide to 9/11 Remembrance Events
- Fox 35 Orlando: List of 9/11 Remembrance Events
- WESH: Central Florida 9/11 Remembrance Events
- Wikipedia: September 11 Attacks
- Google Search: 9/11 Remembrance Events
- Google Scholar: September 11 Attacks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: September 11 Attacks
- Google News: 9/11 Remembrance
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
