9/11: Never Forget: Community Build & Tribute
Christiansburg, VA — September 5, 2025 — On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley will host a powerful Day of Service & Remembrance from 12:00–6:30 PM at the Habitat ReStore, 1675 N Franklin St, Christiansburg, VA. This day honors those lost on 9/11 and the sacrifices of first responders, veterans, and their families—while calling on the community to share their stories and honor those fallen together.
From 12:00–4:00 PM, volunteers and students from Montgomery County Schools’ Building Trades classes and Christiansburg Middle School will join together to construct 24 memorial picnic tables. The project serves as both an educational experience in construction, sparking interest in building our trades, and a living history lesson, as Everyone under 24 was not yet born when our nation was forever changed.
At 4:00 PM, the picnic table build transitions into a community gathering with food trucks, live music, and remembrance activities. This program will place a special emphasis on community storytelling, inviting attendees to reflect on how September 11 impacted their lives and the ongoing importance of honoring first responders, veterans, and those who gave their lives in service.
Each table will be engraved with “Never Forget” and donated to local organizations, including the VFW, American Legion, and Radford FOP, with additional tables provided to families of first responders and veterans.
“This day is about building more than tables—it’s about building bridges,” said James Drader, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley. “When our community comes together to share stories, honor sacrifice, and engage our youth, we not only remember those we lost—we strengthen the bonds that carry us forward.”
Honoring Sacrifice Across Generations
Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941 — 2,403 lives lost (2,335 military and 68 civilians).
September 11, 2001 — 2,977 lives were lost, including 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, and 55 military personnel.
These numbers remind us why remembrance, education, and community sharing remain essential to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Call to Action
Habitat invites veterans, first responders, families, and community members to join us in service, remembrance, and storytelling at the Christiansburg ReStore. Your story helps keep the memory alive. Together, we ensure we will Never Forget.
Register or learn more at 9/11 Build or contact James Drader at jdrader@habitatnrv.org or 540-381-1144 Ext 201.
