Twenty years after terrorists launched a series of attacks on the United States, citizens of Powell will gather to honor and remember those killed on Sept. 11, 2001.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Washington Park, the commemoration ceremony will honor the victims of the attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on United Flight 93 — along with the American military personnel who served in the War on Terror and the first responders who provide security at home.

“We must not forget all of those who gave their lives for this great country,” said Russell Stafford, the commander of the American Legion’s Hughes-Pittinger Post 26. “Everyone in Powell is invited to join together in this uniting ceremony.”

Stafford said the event will begin by recognizing emergency personnel “who have remained strong throughout the entire ordeal on the attack of America and who have upheld the honor of patriotism.”

He said the intent is to honor not only those who have died, but those who “continue to fight for the freedom of this great nation.”

Powell Mayor John Wetzel is also proclaiming 9/11 as “A Day to Remember.”

“The unprovoked attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, upon America by foreign terrorists thrust the United States, and other countries, into a war it never envisioned,” the proclamation reads in part, saying that many innocent lives were lost “suddenly, without cause and pointlessly.” Nearly 3,000 people — equivalent to roughly half the population of Powell — died in the attacks, with some 25,000 others suffering injuries.

“Americans can fight back by reminding the world that the deaths of these people will always be remembered and that they will be forever loved,” the proclamation reads, calling them “heroes, one and all.”

“May they forever rest in peace and abide in our memories,” it concludes.

American Legion posts across the country are hosting similar events on Saturday in an effort to ensure the victims of 9/11 are not forgotten.

Stafford said Americans must remain committed to supporting the men and women of the armed forces.

“And we must rise up and support them as the War on Terror continues to be drawn to a close,” Stafford said. “They must know that the community supports them and knows that the duties they performed were honorable and worthwhile.”

Everyone is invited to Saturday’s event.