Several churches in the area are coming together to organize a special memorial service on what will be the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Organizers said they hope the event will not only be a time for the community to remember what has happened but also a time to pray for healing for the nation and the world.

“That day was a time of great sorrow, challenge and difficulty for our community and the nation,” according to a news release. “Many of our local families felt the impact of the events of that day specifically and have had their lives and families changed in the 10 years of ongoing aftermath.”

Andrea Myers, associate pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, said she was living in the Washington, D.C., area on 9/11. But whether you were near the Twin Towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., the plane crash in Shanksville, Penn., or simply in your own home, there are many who were affected, she said. Because of this, the the churches are organizing the service, planned for 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Grace Lutheran Church, 918 Garfield Ave.

Myers said the entire community is invited to attend.

She said so far there are five churches involved, and she hopes more jump on board.

Bob Tavis, who is heavily involved with the music at Grace Lutheran Church, is also organizing a community choir, which will meet at 6 p.m. that night to prepare for the service.

If people have questions, they can call Grace Lutheran Church at 373-6496.

Freeborn County officials are also organizing another moment of remembrance for the same day. Look to the Tribune for more information about this as it becomes available.

Do you remember 9/11?

Were you in New York on Sept. 11, 2001? Did you see the Twin Towers fall? Were you in Washington on that day of infamy? Were you near Shanksville, Pa.?

And do you have ties to the Albert Lea area?

If so, please contact reporter Sarah Stultz by phone at 379-3435 or through email at sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com.

The Tribune is working on a commemorative special edition to publish on the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Reporter Kelli Lageson is also working on a story for 9/11 of any Albert Lea area people remembering where they were that day, how they found out about the attacks and any anecdotes they wish to share — regardless of where they were.

For this story, Lageson can be reached by phone at 379-3439 or by email at kelli.lageson@albertleatribune.com.