The city of Mesa, the Mesa Fire and Medical Department and the Mesa Police Department will observe the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with a commemoration ceremony 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center St.

“The tragedy of 9/11 impacted everyone alive on that day. As the nation mourned the victims, heroes from communities across the country put their lives on hold to help save lives and assist with the recovery efforts,” Mesa Mayor John Giles said in a release. “Our ceremony will honor all those affected by the terrorist attack, especially the hundreds of first responders who were killed or injured.”

In addition to Mayor Giles, guest speakers will include Mesa Fire Chief Mary Cameli; Assistant Mesa Police Chief Lee Rankin and East Valley Institute of Technology Fire Science Academy Instructor Jim McNamara, who responded as the retired fire chief of the North Bellmore New York Fire Department as part of their Technical Rescue Team to the World Trade Center on 9/11. The keynote speaker will be retired Mesa Fire Chief Dennis Compton. While serving as chief, Compton witnessed the attack at the Pentagon and assisted with the recovery effort there for two days before heading to the World Trade Center to help at the scene of Ground Zero for two weeks.

“We will never forget those who lost their lives 20 years ago on 9/11. In response to that crisis, we came together as a nation and supported one another. I believe it is important that we continue to show that same support for each other today, in honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Cameli said in the release.

The doors open at 9 a.m. The pre-program music will begin at 9:30 a.m. featuring Coast Guard Auxiliary Band Arizona. The Mesa Fire and Medical Department Honor Guard and the Mesa Police Honor Guard will begin the ceremony with a flag presentation. The program concludes with the laying of a memorial wreath.

The Mesa Amphitheatre has a clear bag policy. Face coverings are optional at city of Mesa facilities. Visitors are encouraged to continue to exercise precautions, including getting vaccinated, wearing masks if unvaccinated and staying at home when not feeling well. More information is available at mesaaz.gov.