9-11 commemorations held across Czech capital

Commemorative events marking the 10-year-anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington on September 11, 2001, are being held across the Czech capital. On Prague’s island Strelecký ostrov, an all-day concert against fear is taking place. In the afternoon, a commemoration of firefighters and paramedics killed on 9/11 will be held on Kampa island. Defense Minister Alexandr Vondra and other important political figures are expected to attend a gathering with the motto "Together Against Terrorism" at Jungman square in the afternoon.

In the evening, a flag ceremony will be held at Prague castle, followed by a memorial service at St. George’s basilica. Czech and American officials have organized a commemorative event to mark the tenth anniversary of 9-11 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Černínský Palác) at 6 p.m. Headlining the program will be the classic Czech underground band Plastic People of the Universe. An exhibition of photographs by Jan Šibík showing the aftermath of the attacks in New York will be on display, as will a new exhibit on Czech contributions to reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. The event is being organized by the Czech Foreign and Defense Ministries in cooperation with the American Center and is open to the public.