Across the area, communities are gathering to honor the lives lost, recognize first responders, and reflect on how deeply that day continues to shape us.

Twenty-five years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, communities across the Capital Region are coming together to remember the lives lost, honor first responders and reflect on the lasting impact of that day.

While many ceremonies take place on September 11 itself, commemorations continue throughout the weekend and into the following week with memorial climbs, service projects, museum programs and other community events.

Hudson Falls – “War at Home: A Legacy of Hope,” September 10
The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls will present War at Home: A Legacy of Hope Thursday at 7 p.m. The Caravan Players production shares stories of courage and survival connected to September 11, including the story of “The Man in the Red Bandana.” A portion of donations will benefit September 11-related organizations.

Friday, September 11

Albany – Day of Remembrance Blood Drive
The American Red Cross Eastern New York Region will hold a Day of Remembrance Blood Drive at the Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle Street. A remembrance program begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the blood drive from noon to 5 p.m.

Albany – New York State Museum World Trade Center Gallery Tour
The New York State Museum will offer a special tour of its World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response gallery at 1 p.m. Senior Historian Aaron Noble will lead the tour through the history of the World Trade Center, the attacks and the rescue and recovery efforts that followed. Admission is free.

The museum is also marking the 25th anniversary with its Witness to 9/11 photography exhibition featuring more than 60 photographs by photojournalists Todd Maisel and David Handschuh, along with artifacts documenting the attacks and their aftermath.

Albany – Memorial Mass at Historic St. Mary’s Church
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany says Historic St. Mary’s Church at 10 Lodge Street will hold a 12:05 p.m. Mass as part of local observances marking 25 years since the attacks.

Albany – State Landmarks Illuminated in Remembrance
New York State says several Albany landmarks will be illuminated Friday evening in remembrance of September 11, including the Empire State Plaza, State Education Building, Alfred E. Smith State Office Building and H. Carl McCall SUNY Building.

Troy – September 11 Remembrance Ceremony
The City of Troy will hold its annual remembrance ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at the City of Troy 9/11 Monument at 473 First Avenue. City officials, police, firefighters, veterans, first responders and members of the public will gather to remember those who died and honor those who responded.

North Greenbush – Rensselaer County 9/11 Ceremony
Rensselaer County will hold its September 11 ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the county’s Emergency Services Training Complex on Macha Lane. The county’s memorial includes steel recovered from the World Trade Center.

Glens Falls – 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony
The City of Glens Falls will hold a remembrance ceremony at the Glens Falls Fire Department at 134 Ridge Street beginning at 9:03 a.m. The program will include remarks from city officials, a moment of reflection, 25 seconds of silence marking the 25th anniversary and the traditional tolling of the fire bell.

Hudson Falls – September 11 Ceremony
American Legion Post 574 will hold a community remembrance at 10 a.m. at 72 Pearl Street in Hudson Falls.

Queensbury – Warren County 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Warren County says its ceremony will begin at noon outside the Warren County Municipal Center at 1340 Route 9 in Queensbury. This year’s observance will also honor New York State Conservation Officer Stephen Raymond, who died from cancer linked to his response at Ground Zero. A bridge dedication sign honoring Raymond will be unveiled during the ceremony.

Saratoga Springs – 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony
The City of Saratoga Springs will hold its ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at High Rock Park in front of Tempered by Memory, the memorial sculpture created from five pieces of World Trade Center steel. The city is asking those attending to arrive by 8:15 a.m.

Mechanicville – Remembrance Ceremony and Bell Ringing
The Mechanicville Fire Department and Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks Lodge will hold a remembrance ceremony at 5:30 p.m. outside the Mechanicville Fire Department Central Station on Main Street.

Ballston Spa – 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Ballston Spa will gather at its September 11 Memorial next to Village Hall on Front Street beginning at 7 p.m. The village’s memorial includes a piece of subway track from beneath the World Trade Center.

Greenfield – 25th Anniversary Remembrance
The Town of Greenfield will hold its 25th anniversary September 11 remembrance from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Middle Grove Town Park.

Halfmoon – Patriot Day 25th Anniversary Ceremony
The Town of Halfmoon will gather at 6 p.m. at Abele Memorial Park on Harris Road for its Patriot Day 25th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony, honoring those who lost their lives and recognizing first responders and others affected by the attacks.

Glenville – 9/11 Tribute Ceremony
Glenville’s annual 9/11 Tribute Ceremony begins at 5 p.m. at the memorial adjacent to Max410 at The Waters Edge on Freemans Bridge Road. The memorial includes two steel beams recovered from the World Trade Center.

Loudonville – Prayer Service and Reading of the Names
St. Pius X Church will hold a noon prayer service followed by a reading of the names of those killed in the attacks. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany says the reading will continue for several hours, and members of the public may attend for all or part of the remembrance.

Schenectady – Mass Honoring First Responders
St. Luke’s Church on State Street will dedicate its 11 a.m. Mass to first responders, honoring firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel while remembering those who died and their families.

Delmar – Holy Hour for World Peace
St. Thomas the Apostle Church will hold a Holy Hour for World Peace beginning at 1 p.m. as part of the Diocese of Albany’s September 11 observances.

Saturday, September 12

Albany – Sadako’s Crane: An Origami Activity of Remembrance
The New York State Museum will continue its anniversary programming Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with a free, family-friendly remembrance activity in the World Trade Center Gallery.

Visitors will learn the story of Sadako Sasaki and the paper crane that became an international symbol of peace and resilience, then create their own origami crane as a tribute. The original Sadako’s Crane is also on display at the museum during September.

Saratoga National Cemetery – National Day of Service and Remembrance Ceremony
Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery will take part in the National Day of Service beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. Volunteers will help clean military grave markers and beautify the cemetery.

A September 11 remembrance ceremony will follow at 11 a.m. at the Flagpole Assembly Area. Volunteers participating in the service project are required to register in advance.

Sunday, September 13

Albany – 8th Annual Capital Memorial Stair Climb
The 8th Annual Capital Memorial Stair Climb will take place Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Empire State Plaza.

The event is not a race, but a tribute to fallen first responders. Climbers complete 110 stories — 55 up and 55 down — while carrying the name and photo of a fallen hero. Many firefighters and other first responders complete the climb wearing their protective gear.

The climb honors the firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency medical personnel who died at the World Trade Center.

Albany – World Trade Center Gallery Tour
The New York State Museum will offer another free guided tour of its World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response gallery Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

The tour looks at the attacks, the rescue and recovery effort and the response of New Yorkers and communities across the country.

Albany – “9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero” Documentary Screening
At 2 p.m. Sunday, the State Museum will host a free screening of 9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero in the Huxley Theater.

The documentary explores the difficult decisions surrounding what should happen to the World Trade Center site after the attacks, including the debate over rebuilding, remembrance and the future of Lower Manhattan.

Saturday, September 19

Albany – Canine Courage: The Search and Rescue Dogs of September 11
The New York State Museum’s anniversary programming continues Saturday, September 19 at 10:30 a.m. with Canine Courage: The Search and Rescue Dogs of September 11.

Museum educator Kate Ting will share the stories of the specially trained dogs and handlers who assisted with search and recovery operations at the World Trade Center. The free family program includes discussion and a hands-on activity.

Sunday, September 20

Albany – Tunnel to Towers Tower Climb
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will hold its Capital Region Tower Climb at the Corning Tower on Sunday, September 20.

An opening ceremony begins at 8 a.m., with climbers beginning shortly afterward. Participants will climb the Corning Tower in tribute to FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller and others who lost their lives on September 11.

Tunnel to Towers says the event also supports first responders, military members and their families.

Lake George – Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will also hold its Lake George 5K Run & Walk at 10 a.m. Sunday, September 20.

The 3.1-mile event honors Stephen Siller, those who lost their lives on September 11 and the first responders and military members who continue to serve.

Twenty-five years later, these ceremonies, exhibits, service projects, memorial climbs and community gatherings offer people throughout our area several ways to remember the lives lost, honor those who responded and ensure the events and sacrifices of September 11 are never forgotten.