News Release

Special Patriot’s Day Programming to be held at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on September 11 and 12, 2021

Date: September 10, 2021
Contact: Blaine Kortemeyer, 605-574-3170

KEYSTONE, SD – Park Ranger Mike Murtagh grew up 30 miles from the World Trade Center on Long Island. He heard about the attack while attending his sophomore chemistry class. He will be presenting “Heroes of 911: The September 11th Attacks 20th Anniversary”. This special program will be presented in the Avenue of Flags at 2:30 pm on 9/11/2021 and again at 2:00 on 9/12/2021. Within this dynamic program you will learn about a pilot, a fireman and a group of everyday citizens and many others that made a difference on that day and in the days that would follow.  

The traditional Evening Lighting Ceremony on September 11, 2021 begins at 8:00 pm in the main amphitheater. The ceremony will feature a 10-minute park ranger talk, the movie “Freedom, America’s Lasting Legacy”, the illumination of the sculpture, singing of the national anthem and conclude with the veteran’s call to stage.  

The Evening Lighting Ceremony on September 12, 2021 also begins at 8:00 pm in the main amphitheater. The ceremony will be presented by Acting Chief of Interpretation and Education, Blaine Kortemeyer. He will be delivered the same program he presented on September 12, 2001.  

Details on park hours, fees and passes are available on the park’s website www.nps.gov/moru and the new NPS app. 

Consistent with CDC recommendations, Masks are required for everyone, regardless of location or vaccination status, in all NPS buildings. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Before visiting, please check the park’s website to determine its operating status.  

Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus. As conditions are subject to change, visitors should check the park’s website and social media channels for details on operations before they visit.