FROM STAFF REPORTS

Some local organizations are holding 9/11 memorial events in Shelby County. Several of those events are listed below.

PATRIOT DAY EVENT: During this event on Sept. 11, Girl Scouts in the Oak Mountain area will present a special flag ceremony, and there will be other Girl Scout activities about the United States. Girls will also be placed into troops. The free event will be at Christ Church United Methodist on Caldwell Mill Road from 2:30-4 p.m. All girls from kindergarten through 12th grade are invited, as well as parents. For more information, contact Angela Smith at 453-9527 or at asmith@girlscoutsnca.org.

MUSIC PROGRAM: North Shelby Baptist Church will host a patriotic musical program on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. Public is welcome.

SPECIAL SERVICE: Indian Springs First Baptist Church will hold a special service to honor the memory of 9/11 on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 3375 Cahaba Valley Road. The public is welcome.

MILITARY VETERAN SPEAKER: Sen. Steve Russell of Oklahoma, a 21-year U.S. Army veteran who helped lead the hunt for and capture of Saddam Hussein, will speak at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Valleydale Church, located at 2324 Valleydale Road. The event is free to all.

FIRST BAPTIST OF PELHAM: The First Baptist Church of Pelham will hold special services on Sept. 11 honoring those lost during and since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The church’s worship services will begin at 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. at the church at 2867 Pelham Parkway.

COLUMBIANA UMC: Columbiana United Methodist Church will have a united joint worship service in the sanctuary on Sept. 11, 2011. We will remember the victims of 9/11 and honor first responders from around the county, who will be our special guests. Sunday School: 9:30, Worship service: 10:30, luncheon: 11:30. All are welcome.

WESTOVER: There will be a 9/11 memorial at 2 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the Westover city park. The memorial will recognize the efforts of veterans, firefighters, emergency responders, military and policemen. Stories and thoughts of 9/11 will be shared, and there will be a short flag retirement service.

CHELSEA FIRE DEPARTMENT: The Chelsea Fire Department will hold a 9/11 memorial ceremony in front of Station No. 31 at 160 Chesser Drive on Sept. 11. The event will be at 12:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and an open house will follow the ceremony. The ceremony will include lowering of the flag to half staff, prayer by the fire department chaplain and laying a wreath at the base of the flag.

AMERICAN VILLAGE PATRIOT DAY: The American Village will be open from 1-5 p.m. on Sept. 11. Admission will be free. The public can visit Liberty Hall and sign the Book of Remembrance, visit the Liberty Bell Garden or visit the Colonial Chapel.