Honor local 9/11 victim Maj. Dwayne Williams with “Take the Day Back” concert tribute in Trussville, Sept. 11

Nearly 23 years ago, Major Dwayne Williams was among the nine people with Alabama ties killed in the September 11 Attacks. To honor the memory of his brother and others lost that day, Birminghamian Roy Williams is hosting a free tribute concert in Trussville. 

All proceeds from the event will help fund a bronze statue honoring Maj. Williams in Trussville’s Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument.

Read on to learn more about Major Williams and how you can support his legacy.

About Maj. Williams

Before Major Dwayne Williams became a soldier, he was simply Dwayne Williams, who loved fishing, swimming and nature.

His leadership evolved when he began playing football as a wide receiver for Jacksonville High School. His love of learning and leading others brought him to the University of North Alabama, his brother’s Alma mater, where he studied marketing.

After completing college, Williams gravitated a career that had followed his family for many decades: the Army. His sense of support and guidance for others helped him enjoy a career as a Ranger.

Army Major Dwayne Williams offered mentorship to many young officers and touched the lives of many with his fellowship, guidance and the love of God.

Tragically, Maj. Williams lost his life in the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. He was survived by his wife and their two young children.

Honor Maj. Dwayne Williams at the Take the Day Back concert tribute, Sept. 11

Roy L. Williams—Director of PR at the Birmingham Public Library and brother of Maj. Dwayne Williams—is honoring his brother’s sacrifice with a free tribute concert in Trussville on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024

“Our purpose is to Take the Day Back so that Dwayne is remembered for the lives he touched on the battlefield as a commander during the Persian Gulf War, as a leader at various Army bases across the U.S., and as a husband and father, brother and friend.

My hope is that in honoring his life, not how he died, we can show those terrorists they failed in their efforts to break the spirits of we Americans.”

Roy L. Williams, Director of PR, Birmingham Public Library

Hosted near Ferus Artisan Ales in the Trussville Entertainment District, Take the Day Back will feature free tribute concerts by:

• Elvis Presley impersonator Rob Langford
• Aretha Franklin impersonator Kimberly Harmon

“This event is about honoring our heroes and servicemembers and Taking Back The Day to remember their stories and sacrifice to this great country.”

Master Sergeant Chad Carroll, U.S. Air Force and chairman of the Trussville Veterans Committee

Proceeds from the event will help fund the Major Dwayne Williams Memorial ROTC scholarship at Jacksonville State University as well as a bronze statue honoring Maj. Williams in Trussville’s Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument. 

• What: Take the Day Back: Elvis and Aretha Franklin Tribute Concert Honoring 9/11 Victim Army Major Dwayne Williams
• When: Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6PM
• Where: Trussville Entertainment District, 119 Beech St, Trussville, AL 35173

Interested in supporting this tribute concert? Donations are tax-deductible and can be sent to the nonprofit partner American Legion Post 205, 7257 Old Springville Road, Clay, Ala. 35126.