Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and several southern Maine communities are planning remembrance events.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in New York City, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon during terrorist attacks carried out by the terrorist organization al-Qaida.

Tiny American flags stand in front of Jones, Rich and Hutchins funeral home in Portland to pay tribute to those lives lost 15 years ago on Sept. 11. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

The ringleader of the attacks started that day at Portland International Jetport. Mohamed Atta and Abdulaziz Alomari flew from Portland to Boston, where they boarded a jet that Atta flew into the World Trade Center’s north tower.

Among the victims from Maine were retirees Jackie and Robert Norton of Lubec and Portland lawyer James Roux, who were on hijacked flights; Stephen Ward, a Gorham native in the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York; and Navy Cmdr. Robert Allan Schlegel at the Pentagon.

Here is a list of local events planned for Sunday to remember those who died and the legacy of that historic day:

• Portland: Wreath-laying ceremony at 8:30 a.m. followed by a moment of silence at 8:46. Fort Allen Park on the Eastern Promenade. Also, American Red Cross blood drive at the Portland Elks Lodge at 1945 Congress St. from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Falmouth: Remembrance ceremony at 1 p.m. at American Legion Post 164, 65 Depot Road. Folding chairs are recommended.

• Freeport: Silent procession at 9 a.m. from the Public Safety Building to the tower monument at Main and West streets, followed by wreath laying and a moment of silence.

• Freeport: The Freeport Flag Ladies are inviting community members to gather along Main Street from 1 to 2 p.m. in commemoration of the anniversary.

• Scarborough: Ceremony from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Dunstan Fire Station, 639 Route 1, including a moment of silence at 10 a.m. and the reading of names of first responders killed.

• Old Orchard Beach: Ceremony at 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, organized by the Old Orchard Beach Flag Raising Committee.

• Old Orchard Beach: Remembrance event at 6 p.m. at Seaside Pavilion, featuring firsthand accounts of Salvation Army responders.

• Auburn: Ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the Central Fire Station on Minot Avenue. The brief ceremony will be followed by a blood drive.

• Livermore Falls: Remembrance ceremony from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. at Union Park.

• Norway: Remembrance ceremony from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Norway Memorial Library.

Related Stories