This year marks the 17th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Communities around metro Atlanta are holding a number of commemorative events and tributes to mark the solemn anniversary. Here’s a look at some ways to mark the day, a time of remembrance and reflection.
9/11 COMMEMORATION EVENT IN JOHNS CREEK
An event in honor of the first responders who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks will be held at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater in Johns Creek. The event will honor the service and sacrifices of first responders and will include a narration of the timeline of events that unfolded immediately following the attack — from the perspective of first responders. The commemoration event will feature remarks by Johns Creek Fire Chief Jeff Hogan and Police Chief Ed Densmore, and a musical performance by the Autrey Mill Middle School Choir. The event is hosted in partnership with the Rotary Club of Johns Creek – North Fulton. Free. Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater, 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek.
REMEMBRANCE EVENT AT BETTY MAULDIN PARK IN NORCROSS
The City of Norcross will hold a short 9/11 remembrance ceremony Tuesday. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Betty Mauldin Park and will include a ringing of the bell at 8:45 a.m. to mark the time the first tower was hit along with words from Mayor Craig Newton, and bagpipe music. Free. Betty Mauldin Park, 1-63 Lawrenceville St NW, Norcross.
MORE: Remembering 9/11: A roundup of metro Atlanta events, ceremonies
PIANOS FOR PEACE FESTIVAL
You can see, play and enjoy 50 pianos while on display in public parks and high-traffic locations throughout metro Atlanta. It's all part of the Pianos For Peace outdoor festival and community arts program which is underway through Sept. 22.
The collection of donated pianos has been hand-painted by local volunteer artists in collaboration with Fulton County Arts and Culture as well as students and art teachers at Atlanta Public Schools. After the three-week festival, the colorful pianos will be donated to local schools, nursing homes, healthcare facilities, community centers and other organizations in need, especially in underserved communities.
The 50 Pianos for Peace locations include the following strategic partners: Center for Civil and Human Rights, the King Center, Piedmont Park, Rialto Center for the Arts, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, five along the Beltline, and 10 MARTA stations. A full list of the 50 locations is at PianosForPeace.org
SELF-GUIDED ATLANTA STREET ART WALKING TOURS
Atlanta Features an abundance of street art, spray art, murals, and graffiti. Streetartmap.org will take you on free self-guided walking art tours of Atlanta's Cabbagetown, Little Five Points, and East Atlanta neighborhoods. The online directions are easy to follow and you can take the tours whenever you want. Along the tours you will see artwork by internationally acclaimed and local Atlanta artists in this quirky, colorful neighborhoods. Streetartmap.org also catalogs and maps over 300 works of public art throughout Atlanta.
Looking for more? Listen to our weekly accessAtlanta podcast, which offers more ideas for things to do in and around Atlanta.
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