WASHINGTON — Ahead of the 15th anniversary of 9/11, a special film screening Saturday aims to honor victims and share an important message for first responders. “I was a first responder to the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.” It was a day retired Arlington County Battalion Chief Bob Gray will never forget — and his memories haunt him. “Every morning I awoke, it was like exiting through the area of the building where the plane entered,” he recalled. Gray worked through his PTSD and is now a senior adviser at Project Rebirth, a nonprofit providing access and education to military and first responders looking to heal. “It’s important they understand how we can protect ourselves, understand coping mechanisms, changing the perception of strength and how much affect these calls can have on us,” he said. After the screening of film “Rebirth,” Gray will speak about the stories of 9/11 survivors. Prince William County Police Department Officer Jesse Hempen and Manassas City Police Department Captain Tina Laguna will also speak at the event that will be followed by a meet and greet and reception. The free event will be held Saturday, Sept. 10 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, Virginia.
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