Atlanta - Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and the Atlanta City Council today joined with the United InDeed organizing committee to proclaim a metro-wide moment of silence on September 11. At 8:46 a.m., the time when the first of the twin towers at the World Trade Center was struck, all metro Atlantans are asked to pause for one minute to reflect on lives lost and heroes gained one year ago. Mayor Franklin and the organizing committee also united in the Atlanta City Council’s call for church bells to ring at noon for one minute on September 11.
"This symbolic event will truly showcase how metro Atlanta is United InDeed on September 11," said Mayor Franklin. "I encourage all metro Atlantans to remember how precious each moment is and reflect on how they can best honor the gifts we each have been given."
Hundreds of volunteers are working to make sure all metro Atlantans have a meaningful way to mark the first anniversary of September 11. Throughout the region, a variety of activities and events will allow citizens to mark the first anniversary of September 11 in a meaningful way and rededicate themselves individually and collectively to work together to keep our community strong.
The United InDeed organizing committee, with representation from corporations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, young adults, religious organizations and media, is serving as a central coordinating point for the community for activities on September 11.
The region’s largest commemorative event will be in downtown Atlanta. Organizers are expecting 30,000-50,0000 to attend, including visitors to Atlanta who are participating in the Comdex convention at the Georgia World Congress Center that week.
The community is invited to participate in all aspects of the downtown program, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Hurt Park and ending at Centennial Olympic Park by 9 p.m. Organizers have planned the program so that individuals and families can participate in the entire continuous program or join in at any point.
Highlights from the Hurt Park program include the lighting of two perpetual flames, one flame in memory of lives lost and the second as tribute to heroes gained. A large community choir will perform the debut of "Requiem for September Eleven," an original score composed by Curtis Bryant of Union City. The Hurt Park portion of the program will also include a song by local talent Lori O’Brien, selections from the Salvation Army Band, and music from the Geneva Handbell Choir of Central Presbyterian Church. A Native American drummer will beat a single drum, symbolizing the heartbeat of the earth, during a moment of silence.
When the 45-minute program in Hurt Park concludes, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and more than 70 faith leaders will march with the crowd in a unity walk to Centennial Olympic Park. A variety of local music ensembles will line the route as walk participants make their way from Edgewood Ave., to Peachtree St. and down Andrew Young International Blvd into Centennial Olympic Park.
The program at Centennial Olympic Park will feature a variety of musical and dramatic performances by local artists and personalities. Local actor Tom Key will perform the Gettysburg Address. The Georgia Music Industry Association (GMIA) is helping bring music to the forefront of September 11 downtown events. Feature artists include the band Cornbread, with lead singer Keni Thomas, as well as singer/songwriters Chip Martin, Tony Rooney and David Staton. All have agreed to perform songs they wrote following the September 11 events last year. Additionally, the color guard from Fort McPherson will present the flag to begin the program and the Army Ground Forces Band will perform.
Throughout the region that day, places of worship will open their doors for those who seek to mark the anniversary with a spiritual experience. Both Mayor Franklin and Governor Barnes are scheduled to speak at the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta’s community-wide interfaith service at Ebenezer Baptist Church beginning at 8:30 a.m. Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Baha’i and Muslim faith leaders will participate in the service.
Volunteerism is another key component of the activities planned to mark the anniversary of September 11, according to organizers.
A website (updated daily) is available (www.unitedwayatlanta.org/september11) and provides details about prayer services, volunteer opportunities and a number of memorial and commemorative events throughout the region or dial 2-1-1 for more information.