 | Focus Friday: 25th Anniversary
9/11 Remembrance Friday, September 11, 2026 A Day of Remembrance, Reflection & Gratitude
| Twenty-five years after the events of September 11, 2001, the Lake Norman Chamber invites our community to come together to remember the lives lost, recognize the extraordinary courage of our first responders, and reflect on the resilience and unity that defined our nation in the days that followed. | | THE DAY'S EVENTS | 8:00 AM 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Cornelius-Lemley Fire Department
Station No. 1 19729 South Main Street
Cornelius, NC 28031 Join members of the community as we pay tribute to the victims, heroes and families whose lives were forever changed on September 11, 2001. | NOON - 1:30 PM Special Focus Friday
Lunch & Learn Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Randy Marion Board Room
19900 West Catawba Avenue
Cornelius, NC Hear firsthand accounts from two men whose experiences on September 11 offer extraordinary perspectives on courage, service and resilience. |
| FEATURED SPEAKERS Two firsthand perspectives. One unforgettable moment in American history. |  Winston Kelley Executive Director
NASCAR Hall of Fame Winston Kelley was attending a Chamber of Commerce event in Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001, when the attacks occurred. He will share where he was, what he witnessed as the events unfolded and how that extraordinary day affected him personally and professionally. Kelley served on the Lake Norman Chamber Board of Directors and Executive Committee from 1999 through 2002. Today, he serves as Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Vice President of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. |  Pat Jackson September 11 First Responder
New York City Pat Jackson was a first responder in New York City on September 11, 2001. He brings the remarkable perspective of someone who was there as emergency personnel confronted an unimaginable crisis. Jackson will share his memories of that day while reflecting on the courage, sacrifice and service demonstrated by firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel and ordinary citizens who responded in the face of tragedy. |
| 25 YEARS LATER — HEAR THE STORY FIRSTHAND This will not simply be a historical discussion. Winston Kelley and Pat Jackson were personally connected to the events and aftermath of September 11. Their stories offer an opportunity to remember those whose lives were lost, honor the first responders who ran toward danger, and help a new generation understand the courage, sacrifice and unity that emerged from one of America's darkest days. | LIMITED ATTENDANCE Because of the intimate and personal nature of the program, in-person attendance for the Lunch & Learn is limited to the first 25 people who RSVP (register). | LUNCH PROVIDED Lunch is furnished courtesy of Jimmy John's of Cornelius and Chick-fil-A Lake Norman. |
| | We invite Chamber members, business professionals, first responders, elected officials, veterans, students and residents from across the Lake Norman region to join us as we honor the past, recognize those who answered the call to serve and reaffirm the values of unity, resilience and hope. September 11, 2001 WE WILL NEVER FORGET. | ABOUT FOCUS FRIDAY Focus Friday is the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce's premier public policy and community leadership series, bringing together business leaders, elected officials, subject matter experts and residents to discuss the issues shaping our region. Programs explore topics including economic development, public safety, education, transportation, healthcare and legislative affairs. | FOCUS FRIDAY PRESENTING SPONSOR  | MEDIA SPONSORS | Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce | |
