BRUNSWICK

The George T. Files Post 20 American Legion of Brunswick will hold a special ceremony on the Brunswick Mall on Tuesday in remembrance of the innocent victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The observance also will pay tribute to men and women serving in the U.S. armed forces, a press release from the American Legion states, and notes, “On this day, the flag should be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to those who died on Sept. 11, 2001.”

The public ceremony will start at 11 a.m. at the gazebo on the Brunswick Mall. Post 20 Legionnaire Armand LaRochelle will sing the national anthem to open the proceedings, and patriotic songs by the Nor’Easters, a local barbershop chorus, will be featured during the ceremony. Also present will be Brunswick public officials and members of the Brunswick police and fire departments.

Included in the ceremony will be a presentation of Blue Star service banners to 10 families. The banner program was created in 1917 to honor families of military members, and the American Legion rekindled the program after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. During World War I and World War II, families hung these banners in their windows to indicate that a family member was serving in the armed forces. Along with the Blue Star banner, each family will receive a letter of gratitude from Maine’s first lady Ann LePage.

In addition, the state and the American Legion will present letters of appreciation to Maine military veterans for their service. Also, the Brunswick police and fire departments and Brunswick Town Council Chairwoman Joanna King will be recognized for their service to the community. Brunswick Town Manager Gary Brown will read a proclamation recognizing the day as the 11th anniversary of 9/11.

For information, contact Chick Ciciotte at 725-8543 or Joe Donahue at 725-8431.