WASHINGTON-Americans across the country will be observing the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11 in their own fashion. Here is what some credit union groups are doing. * According to Pentagon Federal Credit Union Vice President of External Relations Mary Lynn Stevens, the credit union will follow the general ceremony to take place at the Pentagon so as not to detract from it. The Department of Defense, headquartered in the Pentagon-as is the credit union, is planning a one-hour ceremony to begin at 9:00 a.m. on September 11th, 2002 at the Phoenix Project site, which was damaged in the attack. According to the Pentagon's Web site, the ceremony will feature addresses by President George W. Bush, Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard B. Myers. The large U.S. flag flown on the side of the Pentagon after the September 11th attack will be unfurled in the same location during the ceremony, and a moment of silence will be observed at 9:37 a.m., the exact time when American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon last year. * CUNA is urging credit unions to hold small remembrance ceremonies, including a minute of silence and driving with headlights on throughout the day, on the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11. CUNA's then-headquarters was located within the security perimeter set up around the White House. CUNA asked for a show of solidarity and support among the credit union community in memory of those who lost their lives and loved ones September 11, 2001. "In America, as among credit unions, unity, cooperation and compassion make us stronger as a nation and better as individuals," CUNA President and CEO Dan Mica observed. "These two simple acts of remembrance, we believe, can elegantly convey the feelings of the credit union community that America is strong, united and will never forget the events of a year ago." * Similarly, NAFCU plans to bring all its employees outside to the parking lot in the morning so everyone can turn their headlights on and observe a moment of silence, NAFCU Communications Manager John Zimmerman said. The trade organization is located near the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. * Navy Federal Credit Union is planning a "simple and meaningful remembrance of that day. In the credit union's branches worldwide, red, white, and blue remembrance pins will be handed out to members and employees. Additionally, a memorial message and military images only will be displayed on television monitors in the branches. Another message will appear on the Navy Federal Online home page (www.navyfcu.com). At Navy Federal's Vienna, Va. headquarters, CEO Brian McDonnell will make an announcement at 8:46 a.m., the moment when the first of the twin towers was struck by the first hijacked airliner, inviting employees to take part in a moment of silence. Credit union officials are also considering playing "Taps" over the public address system afterwards. "While this will not be an ordinary day for anyone in America, Navy Federal will be open and we will carry on our responsibilities to our members and their families," Public Relations Manager Loren Moeller said. Navy has a branch located across from the Pentagon. [email protected]