How to remember 9/11 around Wilmington and across North Carolina

Sept. 11, 2026, marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives and forever changed the country. Around Wilmington and across North Carolina, communities are coming together to remember the victims and recognize the first responders, service members and others affected by that day.

Whether you want to attend a ceremony close to home, visit a permanent memorial or spend the day giving back, there are several meaningful ways to commemorate the anniversary.

Here are six ways to remember 9/11 around Wilmington and across the region.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Communities across North Carolina are marking the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with ceremonies, memorials and service opportunities.
• The details: Wilmington-area residents can attend local events or make a day trip to larger commemorations elsewhere in the state.
• Why it matters: These events offer a place to remember those who lost their lives and recognize the first responders and service members whose lives were shaped by 9/11.
• The more you know: Event schedules can change, so check with organizers for the latest details before attending.

Patriot Day Observance at Lejeune Memorial Gardens

Jacksonville's Patriot Day Observance will commemorate the 25th anniversary with honor guards, music and stories honoring North Carolinians lost on 9/11 and during the War on Terror. Visitors can also see the site's permanent 9/11 Memorial, which features a steel beam from the World Trade Center.

• Address: 109 Montford Landing Road, Jacksonville
• Date: 8:15 a.m. Sept. 11
• Phone: (910) 938-7433

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Cape Fear Community College

Cape Fear Community College will hold a public remembrance ceremony honoring the victims, survivors and first responders of Sept. 11. The morning program will include reflections, a memorial wreath and the firefighter tradition known as the “Striking of the Four Fives.”

• Address: 4500 Blue Clay Road, Castle Hayne
• Date: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11
• Phone: (910) 362-7000

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony and Field of Honor at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville will mark the anniversary with a remembrance ceremony and its annual Field of Honor. Hundreds of American flags displayed on the museum's Parade Field will honor veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and loved ones.

• Address: 100 Bragg Blvd., Fayetteville
• Date: 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11
• Phone: (910) 643-2778

9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance at John Chavis Memorial Park

Turn remembrance into action at Activate Good's 9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance in Raleigh. Volunteers can participate in hands-on service projects while honoring the victims, survivors, first responders and military members connected to Sept. 11.

• Address: 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh
• Date: 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. Sept. 11
• Phone: (919) 535-6550

9/11 Day of Remembrance at Haven Place Habitat Community

Haven Place Habitat Community will host a midday remembrance ceremony recognizing first responders, veterans, military members and others who have served the country. It's another close-to-home option for Wilmington-area residents looking to gather and reflect on the anniversary.

• Address: 3101 Castle Hayne Road, Castle Hayne
• Date: Noon-12:30 p.m. Sept. 11

9/11 Memorial Ceremony at North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex

North Myrtle Beach's annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony offers another place to gather and honor those who lost their lives in the attacks. The free community observance can also make for a manageable day trip for Wilmington-area residents who want to travel south for the anniversary.

• Address: 150 Citizens Circle, Little River 
• Date: 1 p.m. Sept. 11 
• Phone: (843) 280-5570

FAQS

What does the “Striking of the Four Fives” mean at a 9/11 ceremony?

The “Striking of the Four Fives” is a firefighting tradition used to honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty. Cape Fear Community College will include the tradition during its 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.

Can you visit the 9/11 Memorial at Lejeune Memorial Gardens outside of the Patriot Day ceremony?

Yes. The 9/11 Memorial is a permanent part of Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, so visitors can see it beyond the annual Patriot Day Observance. The memorial includes a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center.

How far are these 9/11 events from Wilmington?

The Castle Hayne ceremonies are the closest options to Wilmington. Jacksonville is roughly 1½ hours away, while Fayetteville and North Myrtle Beach are around two hours away and Raleigh is about two hours away, depending on traffic and your starting point.

What is the Field of Honor at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum?

The Field of Honor is an annual display of hundreds of American flags on the museum’s Parade Field. Each flag is dedicated in honor or memory of someone, including veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and loved ones.