Things to Do

September 11 Remembrance Day Events

This Sunday marks the ten-year anniversary of September 11, 2001. Here are the commemorative events honoring the lives of 9/11 victims, survivors, military members, and their families.

The Newseum’s 9/11 Gallery features a damaged antenna from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Photograph by Sam Kittner

Saturday, September 10

NEWSEUM: To commemorate the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, the Newseum will offer free admission on Saturday and Sunday. New digital kiosks will be added to the 9/11 exhibit so visitors can share their memories of that day. Editor’s Note: Advance tickets are sold out, however, a limited number of free tickets will be distributed at the door. Call the museum at 888-639-7386 for more information.

Sunday, September 11

MADAME TUSSAUDS: Starting today, the wax museum will unveil a three-dimensional figure based on the iconic photograph “Ground Zero Spirit.” Admission will be free for firefighters, police, and EMS workers; accompanying family members will receive a $5 discount. The exhibit runs through December 31.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY: Today’s your last chance to catch the museum’s “September 11: Remembrance and Reflection” collection. The limited-edition exhibit features more than 50 objects recovered from the terrorist attacks—including the door from a mangled New York fire truck, a map of the Pentagon, and other fragments. Free; 11 AM to 3 PM.

UNITY WALK: Join Washingtonians of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths to celebrate cross-cultural unity. During the 9/11 Unity Walk, you’ll hear from speakers including Arun Gandhi and Rev. Barry Knestau, enjoy diverse cuisine, and learn about different religions. Click here for the program’s schedule. The event begins at 12:30 PM at the Washington Hebrew Congregation (3935 Macomb St.).

MUSIC: Several classical concerts throughout the area will honor the lives of 9/11 victims, survivors, military members, and their families. We recommend viewing the sold-out Washington National Cathedral’s Concert for Hope online at 8 PM, featuring Patti LaBelle, Alan Jackson, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, and an appearance by President Barack Obama. The concert was moved to the Kennedy Center due to damage sustained by the National Cathedral on Wednesday. Plus, the World Doctors Orchestra will be performing at Strathmore (7 PM). For tickets (starting at $25), go to Strathmore’s Web site. Click here for The Washingtonian’s guide to the area’s commemorative concerts.

RACE: Registration for the Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K has ended, but you can still support our policeman and firefighters from the sidelines. Click here for a printable route map. Proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and Homes for our Troops. 6 PM.

BASEBALL: The Washington Nationals will hold a special remembrance ceremony before today’s Astros game. During the game, Nationals players and coaches will don patriotic uniforms, a moment of silence will be observed, and “God Bless America” will be performed during the seventh inning stretch. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Pentagon Memorial Fund; Tickets (starting at $10) can be purchased at the ballpark’s Web site. 1:35 PM.

Monday, September 12

FILM: The Goethe-Institut is offering a unique glimpse into one of the root causes of terrorism and war: a lack of cultural understanding. Through the screening of five short films, the institute aims to show the rich, and often overlooked, culture of Pakistan. A discussion with United States Institute of Peace Advisor Moeed Yusuf will follow. Today’s program is part of a monthlong series of film events on this topic. Tickets ($4 members, $7 non-members), can be purchased at the Goethe-Institut’s box office. 6:30 PM.

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