Tempe events remember September 11 victims

TEMPE, AZ - As the country remembers the events of September 11, 2001, Tempe will hold its own events at Tempe Beach Park on Tuesday.

In memory of those who died in New York City, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon, the Exchange Club of Tempe and the City of Tempe will present the ninth annual healing field with events on Monday and Tuesday.

It is the nation's longest-running September 11 tribute event, where one American flag is flown for every person who died as a result of the terrorist attacks on the U.S., according to a city news release.

The public is invited to take a "walk of remembrance" through the nearly 3,000 flags set up at Tempe Beach Park located at 80 E. Rio Salado Parkway.

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at Tempe Beach Park on Tuesday, September 11 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. To make an appointment, visit the American Red Cross website .

On Tuesday there will be a brief memorial ceremony beginning at 5:46 a.m., the same time the first plane struck the World Trade Center in New York. The event will include a presentation of colors, music, prayer and the reading of the names of the first responders who died.

Later in the day a candlelight vigil with music, prayer and guest speakers will be held at 7 p.m.