MARSHALL — Today people around the country will be remembering the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Marshall area community members will be among them, marking the day with a program at Memorial Park.

The program will start at noon, and will also be livestreamed by Studio 1. Marshall Public Safety Director Jim Marshall said organizers wanted to be able to share the program even if people aren’t comfortable coming in person due to weather or COVID-19 concerns. Regardless of the turnout, Marshall said, it should still be a meaningful ceremony for people.

Today’s program will include a presentation of a wreath at the 9/11 memorial, guest speakers and music by Lakeview High School student Toree Heuberger. This year’s keynote speaker, joining the program by phone from the Washington, D.C., area, will be retired Army Col. Mark Kjorness. During his service, Kjorness has received awards and decorations including the Defense Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal.

Jim Marshall said the idea to invite Kjorness to speak came because of his local connections.

“I knew Mark had connections to Marshall,” Marshall said. Kjorness is a native of Westbrook, and Marshall said Kjorness’s parents were from Minneota and Marshall originally. Marshall said he sent Kjorness some photos of the local 9/11 memorial and explained the program. “He was more than willing to share a few words.”

Today’s program is open to the public. However, organizers are asking people who attend in person to practice safe social distancing.