MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office will once again host its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony this Thursday, inviting the community to honor the lives lost in the terrorist attacks, the emergency responders who sacrificed themselves to save others, and the military members who defended America in the years that followed.

The solemn event begins at 9 a.m. at the Sheriff’s 9/11 Memorial, located at 940 New Salem Highway in Murfreesboro. Residents are encouraged to attend and take part in the community-wide tribute.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Deputy Commissioner Gregory A. Mays, Homeland Security for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

The ceremony will include moving tributes such as:

• Ringing of the bell by the Smyrna Fire Department to honor the victims.

• Raising of the POW/MIA flag by Rolling Thunder.

• 21-gun salute performed by law enforcement Honor Guards.

• “Echo Taps” performed by trumpeters from the MTSU School of Music.

The memorial itself carries deep symbolic meaning. At its center is a 3,000-pound I-beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center, pointed directly toward New York City. The three posts supporting the beam represent New York City firefighters, police officers, and paramedics who gave their lives in service. Surrounding urns symbolize the four hijacked planes that struck the North Tower, South Tower, the Pentagon, and the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be live-streamed on the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page at facebook.com/RCSOTN. It will also be televised periodically on RCTV (Comcast Channel 19, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, and DTC Channel 194) throughout Rutherford County.

On Wednesday, first responders from Smyrna Fire Department, EMS paramedics, Smyrna Police, La Vergne Police, Eagleville Police, and Sheriff’s deputies gathered to rehearse for the event, ensuring a respectful and memorable tribute.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages all residents to join in this day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. Scroll down for photo from the RCSO in Murfreesboro at past event.