9/11 Garden Of Reflection Memorial In Lower Makefield To Host 20-Year Remembrance

LOWER MAKEFIELD, PA — The Garden Of Reflection in Lower Makefield expects to host thousands on Saturday to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of September 11, 2001.

The Garden Of Reflection 9/11 Memorial was created to remember and honor local loved ones — along with all 2,973 killed on September 11, 2001.

Designed by Yardley architect Liuba Lashchyk, the reflection garden situated in Memorial Park offers a walking journey symbolizing "After Darkness ... Light." Visitors walking the memorial move "from sorrowful reminders of tragedy and grief towards luminous symbols of hope, peace, and celebration of life," according to the garden's website.

The memorial, created in time for the tragedy's fifth anniversary, also specially recognizes the 18 victims from Bucks County.

The 20th anniversary day will start at 8:30 a.m., with bells tolling to mark the events of that morning and time after to reflect at the memorial. That night, at 7 p.m., a "Remembrance in Light" ceremony will combine light and sound to represent "hope on one of the darkest days in American history."

"The beautiful twin fountains are the backdrop to this ceremony which will culminate with attendees being invited to place a flower at the glass panels listing names of the victims at the ceremony's conclusion," representatives wrote online.

The ceremony will include guest speakers and musical tributes, and will last around 45 minutes.

"Thank you to all of the volunteers who give of themselves to help make the Ceremony happen," a missive online read. "We look forward to honoring one of the most pivotal days in our nation's history."

Walls of Reflection placed at the site will allow visitors to write their own messages as part of Saturday's ceremony.

Masks are encouraged but not required, and social distancing efforts will be in place.

Learn more about the memorial and Saturday's ceremony online.

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