Q105 Remembers: September 11th Community Events & Observances

September 11th is a day for our community to come together in unity, honor, and reflection. As we mark National Day of Service and Remembrance, Q105 stands with Southeastern Connecticut and Southern Rhode Island in honoring the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the spirit of service that unites us all.

Whether you are looking to participate in a morning fitness tribute, engage your family in community service, or join a local evening gathering, there are numerous ways to connect across our region. Below is a guide to local observances, youth activities, and active remembrance events taking place throughout the surrounding communities.

Rhode Island Fire Academy 9/11 Memorial Ruck & Walk

Time: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Location: Rhode Island Fire Academy, 4 Industrial Drive, Exeter, RI

Details: Join local first responders, veterans, and neighbors at the state fire academy for a morning tribute walk and optional weighted ruck around the facility grounds to honor the 343 firefighters and public safety personnel lost on 9/11.

More Info: Rhode Island Fire Safety Association Calendar

Navy Sub Base New London Commemorative Fitness Challenge

Time: 6:30 AM – 8:30 AM

Location: Naval Submarine Base New London (Morton Hall Gym Grounds), Groton, CT

Details: An early morning active stair-climb and stadium-step workout representing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers. Open to base personnel, military families, and registered community guests.

More Info: MWR Naval Submarine Base New London

Mystic River Commemorative Paddle & Remembrance

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Mystic River Park, Cottrell Street, Mystic, CT

Details: An informal waterfront gathering where local paddlers, kayakers, and visitors pause on the water at dusk for a collective moment of silence along the Mystic River bascule bridge.

More Info: Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce Events

Lyman Allyn Art Museum: Memorial Garden Reflection & Youth Art

Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Location: Lyman Allyn Art Museum Grounds, 625 Williams St, New London, CT

Details: Held in the McCourt 9/11 Memorial Garden, this program combines a brief reflection ceremony with a family-friendly educational art activity where children can paint remembrance stones for the garden walkway.

More Info: Lyman Allyn Art Museum Events

Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival 9/11 Flag Retirement

Time: 8:30 AM

Location: Custom House Pier, City Pier, New London, CT

Details: Part of the annual Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival, this solemn morning ceremony features the ceremonial retirement of worn American flags led by local sea cadets, coast guard personnel, and area veterans.

More Info: Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival

Westerly Public Library Youth Craft & First Responder Storytime

Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Location: Westerly Library & Wilcox Park (Children’s Room), 44 Broad St, Westerly, RI

Details: A youth-focused afternoon session designed to teach children about community heroes through age-appropriate stories and craft projects honoring local police, fire, and emergency medical personnel.

More Info: Westerly Library & Wilcox Park Calendar

Groton Public Library Community Hero Craft & Thank You Station

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Drop-in)

Location: Groton Public Library, 52 Newtown Rd, Groton, CT

Details: A drop-in workshop for kids and teens to write thank-you notes and create care packages that will be delivered directly to local Groton emergency personnel.

More Info: Groton Public Library Events

City of Groton 9/11 Commemoration

Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)

Location: City of Groton Municipal Building Lawn, 295 Meridian St, Groton, CT

Details: A midday gathering bringing together municipal staff, naval personnel, and local residents for remarks, patriotic music, and a commemorative wreath placement.

More Info: City of Groton Official Site

Town of Waterford Remembrance Ceremony

Time: 9:30 AM

Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 174 Boston Post Rd, Waterford, CT

Details: An outdoor service featuring a color guard presentation by local emergency services and remarks by community leaders.

More Info: Town of Waterford Community Calendar

South Kingstown First Responders Honor Gathering

Time: 8:46 AM

Location: Peace Dale Fire Station, 319 High St, Peace Dale, RI

Details: A neighborhood gathering honoring South Kingstown volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, featuring a bell-ringing ceremony followed by a community coffee hour.

More Info: Union Fire District of South Kingstown

Town of West Greenwich Remembrance Ceremony

Time: 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM

Location: West Greenwich Town Hall Front Lawn, 280 Victory Hwy, West Greenwich, RI

Details: A morning gathering featuring local volunteer fire departments, police officers, and town officials.

More Info: Town of West Greenwich Municipal Calendar

Narragansett Community Remembrance & Bell Ringing

Time: 8:46 AM

Location: Narragansett Town Hall Lawn / Fire Headquarters, 85 Caswell St, Narragansett, RI

Details: A coastal gathering pausing at 8:46 AM for a bell-ringing tribute and moment of silence at the town fire station plaza.

More Info: Town of Narragansett Events

Stonington Borough Evening Candlelight Vigil

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Stonington Point, Water Street, Stonington, CT

Details: A community sunset gathering overlooking Fishers Island Sound featuring a silent candlelight procession honoring victims, first responders, and service members.

More Info: Stonington Borough Events