The Anchorage Fire Department and other organizations are taking part in a ceremony Wednesday to remember peers who have died in the line of duty.
Anchorage Fire Department officials say among those to be remembered are 19 wild-land firefighters killed in Arizona this summer.
At the end of the Alaska Fallen Firefighter Memorial event, a special bell ceremony will honor Alaska firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty. The ceremony is held each year on Sept. 11, the same day as the 2001 terror attacks that left nearly 3,000 people dead.
Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska) both attended a ceremony on the Capitol steps in Washington, D.C. Wednesday morning. They each released statements thanking the nation's military forces for their service, and reflecting on the attacks 12 years ago.
"Americans didn't allow ourselves to be daunted or divided," Murkowski said. "Instead, we faced down fear and sprinted into dangerous situations to rescue survivors, and millions of us rallied together to bring relief, aid and comfort to families impacted by these violent acts."
"Our hearts go out to the victims and their families," Begich said. "Even though it happened more than a decade ago, we still mourn for the lives lost on that day at the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania."
Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) echoed those sentiments, calling for Alaskans to remember the lives lost as well as say a prayer for the nation's service members.
"We remember those lost in the senseless terrorist attacks on our country and honor the first responders who risked their lives that day and the men and women in uniform who continue to stand guard in defense of freedom and democracy," Young said in a statement. "Today, let us unite as Americans and be thankful for this beautiful country and those that keep it free."
The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Alaska Fallen Firefighter Memorial downtown.
Channel 2's Chris Klint contributed information to this story.