A tradition in Niagara-on-the-Lake will resume Wednesday, with a solemn service to recognize the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 when American passenger jets were hijacked by terrorists, and redirected toward the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon, and the White House.
NOTL is one of the few in Canada to hold an annual memorial service, continuing a tradition started by Janice Thomson, then president of the Chamber of Commerce, who spoke on the first anniversary about the number of Americans visiting NOTL the day of those horrific events. Some of them made their way to the Chamber of Commerce office looking for news about what was happening, while others were hoping to find accommodation for the night, unsure about border crossings and their trip home.
A small number of Americans have been on Queen Street in following years, returning to attend the anniversary service.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that day in 2001, from 90 countries around the world, including 24 Canadians.
With new staff at the Chamber last year, for the first time since 2002 there was no recognition of the Sept. 11 tragedies, but this year, there will once again be a memorial service.
There are some changes. It is being organized by the chamber in partnership with the town, says chamber events manager Emalyn Williams. "We wanted to make sure the program was respectful to the 9/11 memorial,” she said, “and to make sure it happens this year for all who want to participate.”
With restoration work underway at the cenotaph, where the service has always been held, the location also had to be changed. It will be by the flagpole in Queen’s Royal Park at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Traditionally the American and Canadian flags have been lowered at 8:45 a.m., and raised again after a moment’s silence to the playing of O Canada and the American national anthem, with some short speeches by dignitaries.
