Funny thing, memory is. Regardless of how cognizant we think we are, or how hard we try, once-sharp details eventually blur and fade. But, despite the water-colored depths of our minds, how we felt at the time of an event – those emotions – seem to stick, and sometimes even grow stronger over time. Such seems to be the case with 9/11. Sadly, the unification and fellowship we all shared with our fellow Americans in the days following the attacks have all but dissipated into partisan bickering, political posturing and unfortunately have even been used as wartime propaganda. Yet for those who lost loved ones that day, the wounds are still quite raw. They may not remember every detail of what happened that day, but they know how much it still hurts. And, collectively as a nation, we’re all still grieving. We all still hurt … and closure is definitely not the answer. In an interview this week, Dave Isay, founder of StoryCorps, wisely asserted that “closure” is a word that might need banishing from our 9/11 lexicon. Instead, we need to remember. Remember not only those who were lost on 9/11, but also re-embrace that sense of unification and national pride we felt as a result in the days that followed. Without that, the deaths of those on that fateful day are diminished, and we all lose even more. -LK
However you commemorate and remember 9/11 is a personal choice. There are events happening all over the area; here are a few to get you started:
Yoga Rocks the Park
For those looking for something a little different, check out the special 9/11 edition of Yoga Rocks the Park. Led by Scott Anderson of Warrior Academy Yoga, the event benefits the Feal Good Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial support and advocacy for 9/11 first responders. Live music, kids’ activities and giveaways ensure an upbeat, positive atmosphere of community and commemoration.
Where: City Park
When: 9/11/11 9:30-noon
Cost: $10 advance, $15 day of event
More information: www.yogarocksthepark.com / www.warrioracademy.com /www.fealgoodfoundation.com/
Remember Flight 93: A True Story of American Courage
It’s a very brave undertaking to create and perform theatre based on something as poignant as the story of Flight 93. Using actual cell phone calls and air traffic chatter, Remember Flight 93 weaves together crucial pieces of information with a re-imagining of how the passengers and crew led a revolt aboard the hijacked jet, thus thwarting plans to crash into the White House or U.S. Capitol. The play also hopes to present a compelling case to honor the passengers and crew of the flight as American heroes.
Where: Festival Playhouse, 5665 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO
When: Sept 11, 2011: 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cost: $21.49 general admission, front rows $25
More information: http://www.festivalplayhouse.com
9/11 Freedom Rally
What 10th anniversary commemoration would be complete without Air Force flyovers, motorcycles, 10,000 flags and other pro-freedom staples? This free, all-day event, billed as a “family festival,” also includes a car and hot rod show, military and first responder vehicle display, tribute motorcycle rides, a “Run for Remembrance,” three stages of musical performances, and a motorcycle-drawn hearse carrying a piece of the World Trade Center. The event is designed to raise money for many charities, a list which can be viewed here.
Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City
When: Sept 11, 2011: check website for various times
Cost: Free admission, some fees for ride participation
More information: http://www.911freedomrally.org/
Mile High Farms Fall Grand Opening Weekend
Young kids certainly will struggle with comprehending what happened on 9/11, and it’s important to remember to share the day with them in an appropriate way. One way to do that, perhaps, is through events like those happening at Mile High Farms. Among the corn maze, pumpkin patch and other Fall-inspired events will be special activities to acknowledge the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Where: 11 Cavanaugh Road, Bennett, CO 80102-8706 (NE of Denver)
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10-11, 2011, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Cost: adult: $12, 12 and under: $10, kids under 3 years old, and all firefighters, police officers and other first responders admitted free.
More information: http://www.milehighfarms.com or 303.680.9999
Colorado Remembers 9/11 – 10th Anniversary Commemorative Concert
Surf-rock legends The Beach Boys headline this event in downtown Denver. Also appearing will be Tyler Ward, the Colorado Symphony, and the Colorado Children’s Chorale, along with plenty of pageantry courtesy of military flyovers, processionals, the playing of “Taps,” as well as World Trade Center artifacts on display. Gov. John Hickenlooper and Mayor Michael Hancock will speak.
Where: Civic Center Park, downtown Denver
When: Sept 11, 2011: 1-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
More information: http://www.thecell.org/events/
Songs of Farewell – A Nation Reflects
For some, commemorating 9/11 will involve a lot of pomp and circumstance. For others, a peaceful remembrance concert full of gorgeous music may be more their speed. For that, let’s all be thankful for St Martin’s Chamber Choir and their poignant performance marking the anniversary. Music by American composers Hubert Parry, Eric Whitacre, Terry Schlenker, William Schuman and others is featured.
Where: Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia Street, Denver
When: Sept 11, 2011: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: premium: $35, GA: $25, student: $5
More information: http://www.stmartinschamberchoir.org/
Endnote: Shout out to all my fellow firefighter peeps doing the 9-11 Stair Climb this weekend. To those not in the know, the Stair Climb, founded in Denver, is an annual event where firefighters in full turnout gear climb 110 stories to pay tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who fell on 9/11. It is now a national event. You can participate by texting NFFF to 50555, which will donate $5 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.