Maine Marks 25 Years Since September 11 Attacks

As the nation readies to mark the 25th Anniversary of the events of 9/11, events that changed the world when 19 hijackers took control of planes in the skies across the United States and ultimately killed 2,977 people in the span of one day, people in Maine communities are also preparing ways to honor the memories of those who passed during that time.

In remembrance of those who died, from September 9th through the 12th, two pillars of blue light will rise from Mt. Washington in what's being called an Honor Summit.

If you're looking for ways, a little closer to home, to pay your respects, here are some events taking place on September 11th in Eastern and Central Maine.

Bangor:

There will be three separate opportunities for folks to mark the occasion on Friday.

The first will take place at the Bangor International Airport beginning at 8:30 AM on the second floor of the main terminal.

According to city officials, everyone is invited to participate.

"The ceremony will honor the passengers and crews aboard American Airlines Flights 11 and 77, and United Airlines Flights 175 and 93. The ceremony will also serve as a reflection on the events that continue to reshape aviation today.

The anniversary will be a personal one for employees of Bangor International Airport. Marianne MacFarlane, a former airline manager at the Airport, was aboard United Flight 175."

Officials say there will be a special tribute dedicated to MacFarlane that morning, as well.

Over at the Central Fire Station on Main Street, members of the Bangor Fire Department will hold a ceremony at 8:45 Friday morning, complete with an introduction by the Color Guard. There will be a fire service bell ceremony to honor all the heroic first responders who perished in 9/11, followed by a moment of silence.

Following that, the Bangor High School JROTC, as they have for many years past, will hold a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on the Bangor Waterfront, near the flagpole at 10 AM.

Brewer:

The Brewer and Hampden Public Safety departments have joined forces with the Penobscot County Sheriff's Department for a show of unity, and will commemorate the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 that will take place during the Friday night High School football game between Hampden and Brewer at Brewer's Doyle Field that evening.

According to the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office, other Sheriff organizations across the nation will be doing something similar.

"On Friday, September 11, 2026, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Brewer Police Department, Brewer Fire Department, Brewer School Department, and Hampden Police Department, will bring the national Friday Night Lights Unity Seats initiative to Doyle Field during the Brewer vs. Hampden football game...Friday's event will include a moment of silence and remembrance honoring those who lost their lives on September 11, their families, and the first responders and citizens whose courage and service followed the attacks...The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and its community partners invite everyone from Brewer, Hampden, and surrounding communities to join us for an evening of remembrance, unity, and Friday night football."

Kickoff for that game will be at 7 PM.

Orono:

In Orono, they will have a 9/11 25th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony starting at 10 AM.

The Orono Fire Department says it will take place on the mall in front of the University of Maine's Alumni Hall, where first responders and community members are invited to honor those who lost their lives.

"The ceremony will include an honor guard presentation, guest speakers, a moment of silence, and the playing of Taps. American Flags will be displayed on the mall by students to represent the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11.

Augusta:

In Augusta, they'll be marking the moment with a special moment of silence and a walk outside the University of Maine Augusta Veteran Academic Center

According to the State of Maine's websi te, folks are invited to gather outside at 8:30 AM, with a moment of silence to be held at 8:46 AM. The walk will follow directly after that.

"Bring your own brick/bricks to add to the 9/11 Memorial."

After the walk, there will be a presentation at the Remembrance Garden, with light refreshments in the Alumni Center Conference Room.

What will you do to mark the day?

NEVER FORGET: Images from 9/11 and the days after

See 20 Ways America Has Changed Since 9/11

For those of us who lived through 9/11, the day’s events will forever be emblazoned on our consciousnesses, a terrible tragedy we can’t, and won’t, forget. Now, two decades on, Stacker reflects back on the events of 9/11 and many of the ways the world has changed since then. Using information from news reports, government sources, and research centers, this is a list of 20 aspects of American life that were forever altered by the events of that day. From language to air travel to our handling of immigration and foreign policy, read on to see just how much life in the United States was affected by 9/11.

Gallery Credit: Madison Troyer