Events around the Seacoast mark the 10th anniversary of an attack that altered history

It’s been 10 years since the terrible attack that decimated the World Trade Center in New York on Sept. 11, 2001, killing nearly 3,000 people and changing the course of American history. But the tragedy is still fresh in the memory of most Americans, and its daily effects are still felt in two foreign wars.

For many, it’s difficult to cope with the emotions stirred up by the 9/11 attack. But several local and national groups have been doing their best to honor those who lost their lives and comfort those who survived.

On Aug. 23, The National 9/11 Flag made a stop at Portsmouth Fire Station 2 as part of its tour across the country, which will culminate with its entrance into the National September 11 Memorial Museum’s permanent collection. A week later, a 9/11 tour bus stopped at Portsmouth Fire Station 1 during its own cross-country trip.

There will be more local events to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack. What follows is a list of some of the ceremonies and services taking place across the Seacoast.

9/11, A Tribute at Dusk
Portsmouth Public Library
Actress, singer and director Alexandra Borrie will offer a theatric performance that stems from her personal experience of the 9/11 attacks. She’ll perform “9/11, A Tribute at Dusk” at Portsmouth Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 8.

Borrie was living in Queens and witnessed the attack, which killed her sister-in-law and left Borrie and her husband scrambling to locate their two daughters in Manhattan. She collaborated with writers, actors and architects over the next six months to create a dramatic work that incorporates music, photography and writing.

The performance takes place at 7 p.m. in the library’s Levenson Room at 175 Parrott Ave., Portsmouth, 603-427-1540.

remembrance ceremony
Henry Law Park, Dover
Dover’s Fire and Rescue team will join members of the Dover Professional Fire Fighters and Fire Officers for a remembrance ceremony at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park on Sunday, Sept. 11. The event begins at 9 a.m. and is open to all. In the case of inclement weather, it will be moved to Dover High School at 25 Alumni Drive. For more information, call 603-978-4067.

monument dedication
Hampton American Legion
New Hampshire residents who have died in the “war on terror” over the last 10 years will be remembered during the dedication of the Global War on Terrorism Monument at American Legion Post 35 in Hampton on Sunday, Sept. 11. The public ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at 69 High St. For more information, visit www.post35.com.

prayers for peace
Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth
Area clergy members will gather at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth for an Interfaith Service of Remembrance and Hope on Sunday, Sept. 11. Many of the same participants gathered at Strawbery Banke on Oct. 10, 2001, to honor those who were lost a month earlier and comfort those in attendance.

Representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Baha’i and Buddhist faiths will offer prayers, readings and reflections. Chaplains from the Portsmouth Fire Department, Police Department, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will be in attendance, as well as Voices from the Heart, Sandpipers Seacoast Children’s Chorus, and the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra. Bagpiper David Foster will perform as the Colors are presented.

The service begins at 6 p.m. at Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth. In the case of inclement weather, it will be moved to North Church in Market Square. For more information, call 603-436-9109.

commemoration and reflection
First Parish Church, Dover
First Parish Church in Dover will host a community-wide service of commemoration and remembrance for 9/11 victims on Sunday, Sept. 11. All are invited to attend the event at 6 p.m. the church at 218 Central Ave., Dover, 603-742-5664.