On Monday, September 11, at 10:00 am, Akron firefighters at stations across the city will roll out equipment (fire engines), and flags at Akron fire stations and City buildings will be lowered to half-staff.  Fire departments countywide have been invited to join in this observance.

At exactly 10:05 am - the time of the collapse of the South Tower of the World Trade Center - sirens will sound for 30 seconds.   At 10:28 am - the time of the collapse of the North Tower - sirens will again sound for 30 seconds. 

Mayor Don Plusquellic asks residents of Greater Akron to take time out Monday morning to reflect upon the events of 9/11/01 and how they have changed our world.  "For me, after the grieving process had concluded, I began to ask myself how the events of that horrible day might change our world," said Plusquellic.  "Very few of us could have known at the time just how significantly our lives would be altered in the coming years because of that day.  I feel it is important for us to spend a little time thinking about that."

The second part of the Remembrance will be 'A Commemoration of Strength, A Celebration of Hope,' also on Monday, September 11, from 12 noon to 1 pm at St. Bernard's Church, at Broadway and University Avenues in Downtown Akron.

The commemoration will serve first to remember those who died in the World Trade Towers and at the Pentagon September 11, 2001.  It will also memorialize safety officers who died while courageously attempting to save lives that day.  We also conduct this September 11 commemoration to honor the service of brave men and women who, since 9/11, have been deployed in foreign wars.  This public ceremony is also an invitation for our community to pray for peace. 

Individuals scheduled to speak during the commemoration include St. Bernard's Pastor Fr. Paul Schindler, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, Victim Assistance Director Rev. Robert Denton; Bishop Joey Johnson of the House of the Lord; Capt. Sue Ellen Betts, area coordinator of the Summit County Salvation Army; Rabbi Stephen Grundfast, of the Beth El Congregation; Mohamed Ismail, of the Islamic Society of Kent and Akron; and Bob Kulinski, President of United Way of Summit County.

More than a dozen vested clergy members from all parts of the community will join in the processional at the beginning of the ceremony.  St. Bernard's music minister Jim Kintz will provide musical reflections.

Transportation to the event will be available for veterans or military dependant families through the American Red Cross - Summit County Chapter and Salvation Army - Summit County.  Those needing a ride may call 330-535-6131.