Although the physical events of Sept. 11, 2001, happened in New York City, they took an emotional toll on the entire country. Every year events are held across the nation and in local communities on the anniversary to remember that day and honor current public servants and first responders.

Local events include the following:

PATRIOT DAY – The Wise County Veterans Group is hosting a program commemorating Patriot Day, the rememberance of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Veterans Memorial Park in Decatur. Guest speakers are Rod and Carol Wooley of Alvord, both retired Southwest Airline pilots, who will provide insight to the airline pilots’ reaction to this event and subsequent actions taken.

HONORING HEROES – About 5,000 students from Byron Nelson High School, James M. Steele Accelerated High School and Northwest high schools will pay tribute to local heroes with a 9/11 recognition ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Texas Motor Speedway. Local officials will be honored and recognized by students in a victory walk. Performances include student representatives, cheerleaders, band, drill team and a surprise guest appearance from a NASCAR driver.

TIME OF PRAYER – Wise Regional Prayer Network will host Cry Out America at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, on the Square in Decatur. This will be a time of worship led by Christopher Williams, worship leader at New Beginnings Church in Chico, with intermittant prayer. It is associated with Awakening America, www.awakeningamerica.us. For information, call Connie Swain at (214) 289-9857. To learn about the prayer efforts in Wise County, go to www.wiseregionalprayernetwork.weebly.com.