Courtesy University Place

More than two decades have passed since tragedy struck the United States of America on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that day when a pair of hijacked planes crashed into the twin towers, the Pentagon and in a southwest Pennsylvania field.

The images of the terrorist attacks on the country remain etched in the minds of many people.

In efforts to never forget the somber day, people around the country, including in Utah, come together in unison spreading acts of kindness for the 9/11 National Day of Service or gather in remembrance through memorial events.

This week, cities in Utah County will commemorate the lives lost and the heroic acts amidst the devastation, death and destruction.

American Fork

Courtesy Vineyard City

On Wednesday, there are several opportunities to participate in service projects, according to justserve.org, including fire hydrant cleaning and painting. Volunteers also are needed to help clean up fallen limbs, logs and debris in and around the disc golf course at Art Dye Park. City employees also will spend part of the day cleaning up the Interstate 15 interchanges in American Fork at the 500 East and Pioneer Crossing exit ramps, the city’s newsletter noted.

Lehi

Dozens of citizens including students from both Skyridge and Lehi high schools gathered in Lehi on Saturday to get a jump on service projects and held an honor ceremony at Veterans Park.

“The Honor Ceremony was truly inspiring, with heartfelt speeches and moving musical performances to honor those who sacrificed everything on September 11, 2001, and to remind us why we serve today,” Lehi City Councilwoman Heather Newall said on Facebook.

Lindon/Pleasant Grove

Further south, hundreds also rolled up their sleeves Saturday to contribute to a variety of service projects throughout Lindon and Pleasant Grove.

“We had some much needed help repairing the Heritage trail – cleaning up weeds, debris, and replacement of gravel material that had washed away in the flood,” Lindon Mayor Carolyn Lundberg said in a Facebook post Sunday evening. “Also a school pantry food drive, a diaper drive, a quilt tying project, sleeping mats for the homeless, an American Red Cross blood drive – as well as projects benefiting both Pleasant Grove and Lindon city parks. Thank you to the local churches who really promoted and organized so much of these efforts that turned out beautifully.”

Orem

University Place has various events to honor and remember the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. The 9/11 Healing Field and display runs daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Saturday. Attendees can visit a field of 2,977 flags representing each victim. There also will be a photo display of the tragedy curated to remind and educate onlookers. The flags will be located outside in The Orchard, and a photo display will be located inside the shopping center, according to a press release.

The mall also will host a Patriot Day celebration Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Visitors can meet and greet the Orem fire and police departments at The Orchard and learn about their service to keep community members safe. “Come and meet the men and women who serve our community, hear about what they do, and look inside an ambulance, firetruck and more,” the release stated. There also will be treats and crafts, including cards to write a thank you note to those who serve.

Earlier in the day, Utah Valley University will honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with a flag ceremony directed by UVU’s Veteran Success Center beginning at 9 a.m. in front of the Fugal Gateway Building, a press release said. Small flags representing each life lost during the attacks will be placed on the university’s front lawn of the Orem campus.

Saratoga Springs

Local groups in Saratoga Springs have organized various service projects throughout the community, from filling “Bags of Appreciation” for first responders to cleaning up along the section of the Jordan River Parkway Trail that connects with Utah Lake in Saratoga Springs. Those interested can find out more information at justserve.org/SaratogaSprings911DayofService.

Vineyard

The annual 9/11 Patriotic Program, Concert and Drone Show is set for Wednesday at Vineyard Grove Park starting at 7 p.m.

This event aims to commemorate the legacy of 9/11, honor those who were lost, and celebrate the resilience and unity of the community, a press release states.

The evening will begin with a flag ceremony, followed by a rendition of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” by the Mountain View Choir. A host of speakers includes Orem Fire Chief Shaun Hirst, who will highlight the vital role of first responders, with special recognition of the firefighters who were injured while fighting a fire in Vineyard last year, according to the release. And Chief Rodney Hurst of Santaquin will reflect on the events of 9/11 and the loss closer to home from earlier this year when Sgt. Bill Hooser was killed in the line of duty, the release states.

Vineyard Mayor Julie Fullmer will discuss the importance of communities bonding together in the wake of tragedy.

“We are grateful to remember and honor those who gave their lives on 9/11 and to those who continue to make the ultimate sacrifice for our safety,” Fullmer said in an emailed statement. “We invite everyone to join us in supporting these heroes. Your support is a beacon of hope for those who continue to serve, and your participation strengthens the bond that defines our community.”

The night will end with a performance by Utah County-based rock band Tri-Chevy’s and a drone show from 9-9:15 p.m.