On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 lives were lost in one of the most notorious terrorist attacks to hit the United States. Twenty-five years later, the memories live on as remembrance events are held to honor the fallen heroes and lost loved ones.

As the Twin Towers and the Pentagon were struck by hijacked flights along the East Coast, Americans across the nation watched on in horror, either in person or through their television screens. Not only did the events permanently change government and transportation operations to increase security, but it changed the lives of many Americans whose family members and friends were lost.

Now, a quarter of a century later, Americans bow their heads once again in remembrance of what was lost and forever changed. Locally, free, public events are being held Friday in Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.

Costa Mesa ‘Honor Through Action’

9/11 Day is a non-profit organization run by two men who lost their brother and friend, a volunteer firefighter, in the chaos on 9/11. The organization is determined to “take back the day” by honoring the losses and giving back. 9/11 Day is set to host an event dedicated to giving back to their local communities through food.

For the 25th year in a row, hundreds of volunteers in Costa Mesa are planning to pack more than 200,000 meals to be distributed to families facing food insecurity. Nationally the organization is hoping to produce over 50 million packed meals across the many packing events being held across all 50 states by the company.

● When: Friday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

● Where: The Hanger, 1011 Arlington Drive, Costa Mesa

● Volunteer for the event at 911day.org

Huntington Beach Annual Patriot Day Celebration

The city of Huntington Beach will host their annual Patriot Day celebration in partnership with American Legion Post 133. Led by Mayor Casey McKeon, the city will honor the fallen firefighters, police officers, first responders and civilians either killed or injured in the attack.

● When: Friday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.

● Where: Pier Plaza and Amphitheater, 401 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach

Newport Harbor Remembrance

The Newport Harbor Elk’s Lodge 1767 and Sons of the American Legion SAL Squadron 291 will be holding a remembrance event at the Veterans Memorial park to remember the fallen and lost lives of 9/11. The event is open to the general public, and community members looking to assist in the setup of the event are encouraged to show up to the park by 9 a.m.

Members of the Elk’s Lodge are also invited to enjoy a no-host bar, refreshments and small bites on the West Patio during the event, hosted by Sons of the American Legion Squadron 291.

● When: Friday, Sept. 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

● Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 215 15th St., Newport Beach

— Carroll is a contributor to the Daily Pilot.