25 Years of Remembrance: South Surrey border 9/11 memorial
Published 2:00 pm Monday, August 31, 2026
As Sept. 11 approaches, preparations are underway for a landmark cross-border gathering at Peace Arch Park marking 25 years of remembrance, service and shared resolution.
A release from 9/11 NW Memorial states that more than 400 first responders, military and border services personnel, public officials and members of the public are expected to gather beneath the Peace Arch at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 11 for the 25th annual Northwest 9/11 Memorial ceremony.
“For a quarter-century, Canadians and Americans have come together at the international boundary to remember the nearly 3,000 people killed on Sept.11, 2001; honour the courage of those who responded; and recognize the first responders, military members and border personnel who continue to serve their communities and counties,” says the release.
Four first responders from the New York City Police Department and New York City fire and emergency medical services — all of whom served on Sept. 11, 2001 — will join the dignitaries and guests.
Members of the military, along with municipal, state, provincial and federal dignitaries are said to also take part in the solemn service and memorial.
Highlights of the 70-minute service will include a special helicopter flypast by U.S. Homeland Security, following the singing of the Canadian and U.S. national anthems by the Van City Chorus.
The ceremony is also said to bring together senior Canadian and U.S. representatives, Indigenous and municipal leaders, government officials from both sides of the border, and first responders from across British Columbia and Washington State.
A barbecue, by donation, and community gathering is noted to be held immediately after the ceremony at Peace Arch Provincial Park for all attendees.
Go to 911nwmemorial.com for more information on the ceremony.