Washington, D.C. – This Sunday, Sept. 13, the Washington National Cathedral will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, national service that brought together political, military and religious leaders to mourn a grieving nation.

How a fax helped the president attend

Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope, then a lay leader at St. John’s Episcopal Church, was instrumental in getting the message to the White House. After Bishop Jane Holmes Dixon called asking to offer the cathedral for a service, Cope located an old White House transition directory that listed a fax number for Oval Office operations. Dixon, who admitted she could not type, sent a handwritten note that Cope printed and faxed to the president’s staff.

Three days later, President George W. Bush stood before the congregation, speaking of the inherent goodness of the American people and sharing a story of a World Trade Center worker who stayed with his quadriplegic friend.

Cope’s personal journey

Cope, who later was ordained at the cathedral in 2007 and became its provost in 2010, says the 2001 service “stays with me always.” She reflected that, especially now that the country feels divided, the memory of that day reminds us that unity is possible.

Planned remembrance

During the anniversary service, the cathedral’s bourdon bell will toll four times—once for each hijacked plane—before a wreath is laid at a cross made from Pentagon attack debris, donated by a military chaplain. Special prayers will be offered, and the historic cross will be placed at the center of the sanctuary.

The event underscores the cathedral’s role as a “sacred vessel” for the nation in times of crisis, a sentiment echoed by many who attended the original service.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.