Contributed

Ten years after the terror attacks on America, residents of Vass will come together Sunday in a ceremony to commemorate and remember the victims of Sept. 11, 2001.

The ceremony will remember the victims killed in New York, Washington, D.C, Pennsylvania and the American military service personnel who have died in the war against terrorism.

"We must not forget all of those who gave their lives for this great country," Vass Mayor Eddie Callahan said. "Everyone is invited to join together in this uniting ceremony."

The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at the Vass Municipal Center, 140 S. Alma St. Everyone is invited to attend.

Vass churches have been encouraged to ring their bells at the exact times the incidents of Sept. 11 took place, followed by a moment of silence. The bells will ring at 8:45 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:43 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Each ring commemorates the crash of American Airlines Flight 11 into the north tower of the World Trade Center, United Airlines Flight 175 into the south tower of the World Trade Center, American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93, which went down in a field about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

The ceremony will begin with recognition of emergency service personnel who worked throughout the entire ordeal.

American Legion Post 296 will present a Blue Star Service corporate flag to the town of Vass. The banner was first created in 1917 during World War I.

The town will also present a 9/11 commemorative banner to Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue.

There will be a number of different events during the ceremony, including the placement of a ceremonial wreath to honor past war veterans who are now deceased. Participating groups include American Legion Posts from Aberdeen (72), Carthage (12), Pinehurst (350) and Vass (296), Vass Boy Scout Troop and Den 810, the Union Pines Junior ROTC, the Vass Police Department and Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue.

Benedict A. Lee, commander of the American Legion Department of North Carolina, is also scheduled to speak.

"This ceremony will not only honor those who have died, but also those who live and continue to fight for the freedom of this great nation," Callahan said. "As a nation united, we must remain committed to supporting the men and women of our armed forces as they serve with honor and courage."