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By: Staff Reporter

Niagara Falls Memorial will coordinate several events Friday in conjunction with a countywide effort to observe the nation’s September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance.

The local observance is supported by a grant from the federal Corporation for National and Community Service.

Houses of worship across Niagara County are asked to ring their church bells at 8:45, 9:03, 9:43 and 10 a.m. in remembrance of the attacks that were carried out by terrorists who hijacked commercial airliners on Sept. 11, 2001. Churches without bells are asked to use audio equipment to produce the sound of bells that morning.

On Friday evening, Memorial Medical Center will host socially distanced commemorative programs in historic Schoellkopf Park on its downtown campus.

At 7:30 p.m. the park will be the site of a storytelling event featuring local community and military members who along with government officials will share their first-hand experiences from Sept. 11, 2001.

Immediately following the storytelling event, a candlelight service will be held to honor the memories of the 2,977 people whose lives were taken that day. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Craig Pridgen, senior pastor of True Bethel Baptist Church.

Area residents also are encouraged to participate in the 1,980 Step Challenge, a fundraising event to support local volunteer fire companies, veterans organizations and other non-profits in Niagara County. Walking 1,980 steps will honor and commemorate first responders – many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice that day – for climbing the 1,980 steps to the top of the World Trade Center in their rescue efforts.

Participants can walk these steps wherever they choose between now and Sept. 16 or visit 911dayniagara.org for Niagara County locations that have been measured and designated for this 1,980 Step Challenge.

For information about these events, call Michael Bevill at 278-4413.