9/11 memorialized in two local events

The 18-year anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil in U.S. history are remembered worldwide this week and in two community events in eastern New Mexico.

A remembrance ceremony this morning in Portales is scheduled from 7:30 to 8 a.m. downtown outside the James Polk Stone Community Bank. The event will include a performance from Eastern New Mexico University student Dominique Barrera.

Longtime bank President David Stone said in a news release that he has organized the memorial ceremony every year since 2001 “as a way to ensure the events of Sept. 11, 2001, are not forgotten and to honor the service of area first responders from fire departments and law enforcement agencies, as well as the nation’s military personnel.”

This afternoon in Clovis local first responders are invited to a free lunch from Steed-Todd Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hillcrest Park.

Portales and Clovis city officials said they were not aware of other specific programming for the day.