The 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks is Saturday. Twenty years ago, the people of Gloucester and Mathews came together to do anything they could to help ease the burden of that devastating day. A dive back into the Gazette-Journal’s files show the patriotic and resilient spirit of the community. Pictured clockwise from top left: Nicholas Mann, age 3 at the time, waves an American flag while watching the “Sea of Flags” ceremony at old Lee-Jackson’s Primary School on Sept. 18, 2001, one week after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks; About 50 people took part in a candlelight memorial service at Gwynn’s Island Park, marking the one-month anniversary of the terrorist attacks at the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

Above, the group sings “God Bless America.” Remarks by the Rev. David McKnight of Gwynn’s Island Church of the Nazarene, and the Rev. David Patton of Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church. Prayers and other patriotic songs made up the brief service; Only three days aft...