9/11 observed in the region

The 9/11 terrorist attacks are being remembered today with a variety of observances and events throughout the region.

Some are calling it a "National Day of Service and Remembrance" and others using the term "Patriot Day," although some form of the date - like 9/11 - is most widely recognized.

The city also is calling today "PhillyServes Day," with many nonprofit groups spreading the word about opportunities to volunteer.

At City Hall, a volunteer fair is underway until 2 p.m.

Non-profit and government organizations such as the Salvation Army, the city Department on Aging and the the Committee of 70 set up tables in the covered passageways after rain spoiled plans to hold the fair in the City Hall courtyard.

"It's the whole MLK [Martin Luther King Day] 365 thing - trying to get people excited about volunteering year round," said Britta Haring, volunteer coordinator for the Franklin Institute.

"I think at lunch hour, it's going to get busy," said Terry Smith from the Philadelphia Zoo's volunteer program.

Despite a drizzle, the firefighters union went ahead with two short courtyard cemeronies honoring police and firefighters who have died in the line of duty, including those lost in the 9/11 attacks.

Bill Gault, president of Local 22 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, placed wreaths at two memorial walls in the courtyard as a bag piper played and other participants saluted.

Other events included a range of observances at schools, colleges and goverment buildings around the region.

A prayer breakfast for police, firefighters and emergency workers at Trinity Episcopal Church in Moorestown was hosted by the 200 Club of Burlington County.

In Shanksville, Pa., ceremonies remembering the passengers and crew killed thwarting the hijacking of Flight 93 featured Gov. Rendell, former Gov. Tom Ridge, retired generals Tommy Franks and Colin Powell, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and country singer Trace Adkins.

Mayor Nutter and Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayres appeared at ceremony at the Fireman's Hall Museum in Old City during which a bell was rung to signify a "firefighter down."

In Camden, a neighborhood cleanup was scheduled for 11 a.m. at Sixth and Washington Streets.

Other cermonies, including one at Philadelphia International Airport this afternoon and another at Allegheny Avenue and Belgrade Street in Port Richmond tonight, are being held to honor those serving in the military.