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WHEELING — The 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on America happens this year, and it also corresponds with the 75th anniversary of the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport.

Ohio County commissioners and the County Airport Development Authority are planning a 9/11 commemoration event to take place at the airport, according to County Commissioner Zach Abraham.

He said the gathering will seek to honor current military, military veterans and all first responders. At the same time, it will bring people to the airport to discover its offerings.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to revive the airport, and highlight what it’s about in the community,” Abraham said. “It’s an opportunity to recognize the military and first responders, and how the airport is important to them.”

On Friday, Sept. 10, an “education day” will be held at the airport. Local school children will be invited to the airport to take tours. Saturday, Sept. 11 then will be “community day” at the airport, and events will be happening starting at 11 a.m. through the evening, according to Abraham.

There will be music, beverages, and food and beer vendors, he said. There will be a rock-climbing wall, and members of the Hilltoppers Flying Club will stage a flight show with their radio-controlled planes.

At the end of the evening there will be fireworks, and perhaps stargazing if the weather permits, Abraham said.

The Company C, 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment of the Army National Guard is based at the airport, and is expected to play a role in activities. The Oglebay Park Commission, the city of Wheeling and the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce also are on board with the event.

And national, state and local officials have been invited to speak, Abraham said.

Russell Escue, manager of the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, “is handling the details” and working with the Federal Aviation Administration to finalize plans, Abraham said. Escue could not be reached for comment Friday.