NEW YORK (AP) - Nadine Mass' godfather died just steps from the exit of the World Trade Center. The Port Authority police officer and his captain had been trying to carry a woman in a wheelchair to safety.

Since Stephen Huczko Jr.'s death, his family has treasured photographs and memories of their time together. But it wasn't until this week that they were able to find a tangible symbol of his sacrifice.

"This is the first thing we've been able to have, to hold," Mass said, unrolling the crayon rubbing she took of his name at the newly opened 9/11 memorial. "This is our connection, maybe, to what really happened here. ... We can hold it. We can keep it."

The bronze bearing the thousands of names of those killed in the Sept. 11 attacks was specially processed to turn it a somber, matte black.

Below is a list of 9/11 memorial events in the Tennessee Valley. To submit an event, email news@waff.com.

Friday

• Community Ceremony held by Woodmen of the World Lodge 514 in Athens. Begins at 10 a.m. at the Limestone County Department of Human Resources Building at 1007 W. Market Street.

Saturday

• Redstone Arsenal 9.11k Road Race - Team Redstone's and Family Morale Welfare and Recreation Sports and Fitness road race begins Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Race starts at the Sparkman Complex building 5302, Martin Road.
• Cry Out America - 9:30 a.m. until Noon at the duck pond in Big Springs Park in Athens.