This September 11, 2026, marks 25 years since the attacks that took many lives. The United States will remember those who were killed and injured and honor how the whole nation came together to recover. Here is how Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, the Capital Region, and you can be part of it.
Local Remembrance Ceremonies
25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, Sept 11, 10:10 am
This September 11, 2026, Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters will be hosting its 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Remember, honor, and never forget. You can be part of this ceremony by attending in person or by watching the ceremony livestream. Planning to attend in person? Fill out this form to register.
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Great Falls Freedom Memorial, Sept 11, 7 pm - 8 pm
On September 11, Great Falls' annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will be held at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial to honor the six residents of Great Falls and all others who lost their lives and suffered in the attacks and the aftermath. Learn more here.
Special Exhibits
"Steel and Stone: Engineering the Response to 9/11"
National Museum of the United States Army
The National Museum of the United States Army's newest special exhibit, "Steel and Stone: Engineering the Response to 9/11," tells the story of how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers played a vital role in the nation's response and recovery following the terrorist attacks. See powerful artifacts and hear personal accounts of these herculean recovery efforts. The exhibit is located on the Museum's third floor.
In addition, from August 28 - September 11, guests who enter the Museum's lobby will also have the chance to see the U.S. flag that was unfurled over the damaged side of the Pentagon the day after the attacks. A symbol of unity, resilience, and resolve, it flew until October 11, 2001. The flag is now folded and still bears soot stains from where it rubbed against the building. After September 11, the flag will become a part of the Steel & Stone special exhibit on the third floor. Plan your visit.
Other Activities and Programs
9/11 Memorial Ride, Poker Run & Pig Roast!
Jimmy's Old Town Tavern, Sept 6
Join Jimmy's Old Town Tavern on their annual 9/11 Memorial Ride, Poker Run, and Pig Roast. A memorial motorcycle ride paired with an all-day indoor and outdoor music festival to benefit the Firefighters Fund of Fairfax County and the Herndon Fraternal Order of Police. Learn more here.
25 Years Later
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Sept 10, 7 pm - 8 pm
On September 10, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will host "25 Years Later": a panel that will bring together first responders and aviation personnel from across Washington, DC, to tell the story of 9/11. This program will be presented in person at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly and will be streamed live on YouTube.This is a free event, but pre-registration is required. Register here.
25th Anniversary of 9/11 Honor Walk
National Museum of the U.S. Army, Sept 11, 10 am - 4 pm
From September 11 to September 13, the Army Historical Foundation invites visitors to take part in a special Honor Walk at the National Museum of the United States Army in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The Honor Walk is a free outdoor activation and will take place on the Museum’s Demonstration Track. Pause, reflect, and honor the lives lost, the courage of first responders, and the service and sacrifice that followed.
Northern Virginia 9/11 Heroes Run
Oakton Elementary School, Sept 13, 8 am
Whether you run or not, the 9/11 Heroes Run 5K welcomes runners, ruckers, and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to honor the heroes. These annual events are critical to helping Americans fulfill a promise to never forget and share the significance of this day with future generations.
In addition to this great cause, The Oakton Tasting Room at Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. will open at 9 am and host a post-breakfast celebration for the participants!
George Washington's Mount Vernon Patriot Run
George Washington's Mount Vernon, Sept 13, 7am
Take part in the 10-miler or 5k race at George Washington's Mount Vernon during this milestone year marking 250 years of America and also the 25th Anniversary of 9/11. Learn more here.
In Nearby Arlington and Washington, DC
9/11 25th Anniversary Ceremony
Arlington, Sept. 11, 11 am - 12 pm
Join Arlington County as they honor those who lost their lives, their families and survivors, and the public safety personnel and community members who responded to the 2001 attacks and beyond. This ceremony is currently at or near capacity, and on-site attendance and parking will be extremely limited. To ensure everyone has an opportunity to take part in this important remembrance, please view the ceremony on YouTube or visit one of the satellite viewing locations listed here.
Additionally, on September 9 from 3 to 4 pm, join Chief Stephen Holl, retired ACPD Deputy, as he shares his perspective on September 11, 2001 during "Strength Through Service," highlighting the police's role in the response and the lessons that continue to shape emergency preparedness today.
9/11: Stories in Fragments
National Museum of American History, Sept. 9-11, times vary
Join the National Museum of American History for screenings of “9/11: Stories in Fragments,” a Smithsonian Channel production based on the museum’s Sept. 11 collection and interviews with museum curators. Additionally, a recovered, tattered American flag will be on display, as well as many other artifacts from the collection, at the National Museum of American History.
Pay Respects at the Pentagon Memorial
Arlington; Open Daily
Visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, open daily. Each of the outdoor memorial's illuminated memorial units is dedicated to a victim of the Pentagon attack.
Other DC Area Events & Ways to Commemorate
- Attend Alexandria's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
- Attend Leesburg's September 11 Observance and Candlelight Vigil
- On Sept. 3, The National Museum of the Marine Corps. will host a public book launch of "The Legacy of 9/11: The U.S. Marine Corps and the Terror Attacks of September 2001." The museum will also be showcasing its collection of artifacts connected to the attacks and their aftermath
- Join the City of Manassas Park for a 25th Commemoration of 9/11 on Sept. 11 from 8:30am-9:30am.
- Active-duty military personnel dressed in uniform and Purple Heart recipients can receive free admission to George Washington's Mount Vernon. (Additionally, military members & teachers can save $4 when you reserve tickets through ID.me if not dressed in uniform.)
- For other military monuments and memorials that speak to our courageous servicemen and women, browse our military history sites around the region.
This year marks another significant milestone in the years that have passed since that devastating day. Let's continue to find ways to come together, honor, and never forget here in #FXVA and the United States. How will you commemorate this day? Share with us in the comments below or on social at @VisitFairfax.
