Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001. It’s the kind of anniversary that makes you stop and remember exactly where you were — I know I do, every year.
I don’t usually step outside real estate topics here, but a quarter-century mark felt like the right time to pause, and Central Kentucky has quite a few ways it’s honoring that today.
How Lexington Is Marking the Day
The University of Kentucky’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs, alongside UK Pershing Rifles, are hosting their annual memorial vigil today on the front lawn of UK’s Main Building. It began at 8:46 a.m. — the exact moment the first plane struck the North Tower — and will run through 6 p.m., with cadets reading the names of those who died and placing thousands of flags across the memorial site and surrounding walkways.
Also today, the City of Lexington is formally dedicating its new Global War on Terror Memorial at 2 p.m. at Veterans Park, honoring nine local service members who gave their lives in the years following the attacks. Gold Star Families will be at the center of the ceremony, and a memorial ceremony at Phoenix Park’s fallen firefighter and police memorial began this morning at 9 a.m. with a wreath-laying, bell ringing, and flag lowering.
Governor Beshear has ordered Kentucky’s flags to half-staff today in observance, and he’s encouraged individuals and businesses across the state to do the same.
A Day Meant for More Than Silence
September 11 was designated Patriot Day by Congress back in 2001, and in 2009 it also became the National Day of Service and Remembrance — one of only two federally recognized days of service in the country, alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The idea behind it is simple: honor the day not just with silence, but with action.
Why I Wanted to Share This
I’ve built my career here in Central Kentucky — Lexington, Nicholasville, Paris, Georgetown, Harrodsburg — and one of the things I love about this community is how it shows up for moments like this. Whether it’s cadets at UK reading names for nine hours straight, or a Gold Star family watching a new memorial dedicated in their loved one’s honor, today is a reminder of the character of the place we all call home.
If you’re able, consider stopping by one of today’s ceremonies, or simply take a moment wherever you are to remember the nearly 3,000 people we lost and the first responders who ran toward the danger. That’s who we are here — and it’s worth remembering.
— Janet
