Concert and tribute in Denver will honor lives lost 20 years ago on 9/11
DENVER — Nearly 20 years after the attacks on September 11, 2001, Denver will host a tribute concert at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. The "20th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemoration & Tribute to the Heroes Concert" will be held on Wednesday, September 1.
A press release from Governor Jared Polis' office says the event will pay respects to the lives lost and honor first responders and service men and women. Polis' office also announced musician Kenny Loggins will headline the concert where only members of the military, first responders, health care workers, and teachers will be able to attend.
The day's events will additionally include a remembrance ceremony and "March of Heroes" procession led by the Colorado National Guard alongside the public safety community. Other honors include a flyover, the playing of "Taps," a firing salute, and the U.S. Navy bell tolls.
“9/11 changed our country forever, but we emerged from it stronger than ever,” said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. “We are privileged to stand beside those who protect and defend as we acknowledge the strength and resilience of our country. And we are immensely grateful to all of the essential workers for guiding us through these challenging times.”
On September 11, 2001 terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes, crashing two into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center complex and a third plane into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. After learning about the other attacks, passengers on the fourth hijacked plane fought back, and the plane crashed into an empty field in western Pennsylvania.
Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks, and more than 6,000 were inured.
[Related: On the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, FRONTLINE Airs New Documentaries]
Governor Polis, Mayor Hancock, John Elway, Peyton Manning, and the Mizel Institute are hosting the event.
"This meaningful anniversary allows us to pay tribute and our respects, as well as recognize healthcare workers and educators for their tireless efforts on 9/11 and during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Governor Polis. "We are grateful to Kenny Loggins, a great American rock legend, for helping us unite on this day with a tribute concert.”
You can learn more about the day's tributes at this website.
Amanda Horvath is a multimedia producer at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach her at amandahorvath@rmpbs.org.