WASHINGTON – Twelve years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, several commemorative events will be held throughout the region to honor victims and their families.

In 2009, Congress made Sept. 11 an official National Day of Service as a way to honor the victims who lost their lives in New York, D.C. and Pennsylvania. People are encouraged to volunteer their time at various projects throughout the country. To sign up, click here.

Arlington County will hold a moment of silence at Courthouse Plaza to commemorate the 184 victims who died at the Pentagon. Sheriff Beth Arthur, Chief of Police M. Douglas Scott and Fire Chief James Schwartz will lead the ceremony. The moment of silence will be followed by the playing of “Taps,” and the lowering of the flag to half-staff. Arlington County’s Combined Color Guard will present the colors. It is free to the public and starts at 9:30 a.m.

The City of Alexandria will hold a ceremony Wednesday at 10 a.m. The event will feature remarks from Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, Police Chief Earl Cook and Fire Chief Adam Thiel. It will take place in Market Square at 301 King St.

Bikers from across the country plan to descend on the District Wednesday for the 2 Million Bikers to DC ride despite being denied a permit by the National Park Service. The group is keeping their route secret, but some have already started documenting the ride through social media:

Runners will gather in Crystal City, Annapolis and Lynchburg, Va., for the 9/11 Heroes Run Saturday at 8:30 a.m. The 5K “unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11th and in the wars since,” the website says. To register, click here.

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