WARSAW — On Sept. 11, men, women and children alike will band together in memory of the tragic attack on the United States in 2001 that claimed the lives of many. Every year since this tragedy, Kosciusko County has held a tribute in Warsaw to commemorate the losses and heroism that occurred on that day.

This year’s event will kick off at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, with a welcoming by Mike Cox followed by a prayer led by Lane Sumner. A presentation of colors will be offered by the Indiana Guard Reserve.

The national anthem will be performed by students in the Warsaw Community High School Choir. The Boy Scout Troop 715 will state the Pledge of Allegiance with post colors provided by Indiana Guard Reserve.

A salute to armed forces will be performed by the Lake Area Community Band. The event will conclude with a speech by James Smith as well as Brad Keller. The powerful speeches will highlight how 9-11 has affected the work of members of the military, emergency service workers, government officials and the U.S. in general.

The event will take place at the site of the Kosciusko County 9-11 Memorial, which was designed, constructed and paid for through fundraisers and donations of money, time and materials. THe memorial also pays tribute to emergency service workers of Kosciusko County who have given their lives in the line of duty.

The memorial stands overlooking Central Park and Center Lake in Warsaw. Seating will be provided at the ceremony.

A special thanks is extended to Derek Tenney, JW Anderson/IGR and Lake Area Community Band for helping to make the event possible.