Take the Day Back 9/11 Tribute Concert Honoring U.S. Army Major Dwayne Williams

Take the Day Back 9/11 Tribute Concert Honoring U.S. Army Major Dwayne Williams Happening September 11 in Trussville

📅 Thursday, September 11, 2025 🕠 5:30 p.m.
📍 Trussville Entertainment District – Ferus Stage
🎟 Free & Open to the Public 🎶 Four Genres Honoring a Hero

Kimberly Harmon – Aretha Franklin tribute
Rob Langford – Elvis Presley tribute (U.S. Army veteran)
Da Bisycle – uplifting Birmingham hip-hop
Loyd Watson Jr. – jazz saxophonist
Birmingham, AL –Every new day is a gift from God, a chance to turn pain into purpose and loss into legacy. On September 11, we pause to remember lives lost. But we also choose to lift our eyes toward hope. That’s the heart behind the Take the Day Back 9/11 Tribute Concert, a celebration of courage and resilience honoring an Alabama military hero, Jacksonville native Army Major Dwayne Williams.

Organized by his brother Roy Williams, former journalist and Birmingham resident, the concert continues a mission begun by their mother, Pearl Williams, who tirelessly worked for two decades to preserve Dwayne’s legacy. Now 83 and memory fading due to Alzheimer’s, Pearl’s vision lives on through her sons Roy, Troy (retired Air Force) and Kim (retired Army).

Instead of a somber memorial, the concert is designed as a joyful tribute, a night of music and unity, keeping alive the light of a hero whose sacrifice continues to inspire. Last year’s Take the Day Back concert featured Trussville’s Rob Langford as Elvis Presley and Kimberly Harmon as Aretha Franklin. This year, Roy has added saxophonist Loyd Watson Jr. and Da Bisycle, a positive hip-hop duo.

“Last year was the first time in 22 years I could smile on 9/11, as a great diverse crowd young and old, gathered in Trussville Entertainment District to enjoy their favorite Elvis and Aretha tunes while helping me pay tribute to Dwayne. This year, with the addition of a saxophonist (my dad played sax), as well as a positive hip-hop group from Birmingham, we have something for everyone. It’s four genres honoring a hero.”

Event Details

📅 Thursday, September 11, 2025
🕠 5:30 p.m.
📍 Trussville Entertainment District – Ferus Stage
🎟 Free and open to the public | Donations encouraged

Proceeds support:

A bronze bust of Major Williams at the Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument in Trussville
The Major Dwayne Williams Memorial Scholarship at Jacksonville State University
Artist Tributes

“Major Williams believed in me when I wore the uniform. Now I get to honor him on stage — that’s the greatest encore I could give.” – Rob Langford

“It’s an honor to sing for someone who gave his life in service to our country. Music has the power to keep his story alive.” – Kimberly Harmon

“Hip hop can uplift and inspire, just like Dwayne did. We’re here to celebrate his courage and impact.” – Da Bisycle

“Music speaks when words fall short. This performance is my salute to a hero — and to a family that understands the cost of freedom.” – Loyd Watson Jr.

Organizer’s Thanks

“Thanks to our sponsors and the vision of Mark Davis in founding the Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument, our goal is to dedicate and unveil Dwayne’s bronze bust on Memorial Day 2026. We are deeply grateful to everyone in attendance and supporters. Your presence will make this mission possible.” – Roy Williams

Join us for an evening where faith, music, and community unite to honor a hero, and prove that love is stronger than loss. Concert organizer Roy Williams launched this event in 2024 as both a personal healing journey and a public tribute celebrating how Alabama hero Major Dwayne Williams lived his life, not how he died.

All proceeds are tax-deductible through nonprofit partner American Legion SSG Michael Hosey Post 205. Donations can be made securely online at:
👉 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/35f06259-b7e3-4a08-9a7f-8078b9ba1d74

For more information, contact Take the Day Back organizer Roy Williams at 205-572-1359 or email roywillwrite@gmail.com

About the Bust & the Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument
🎖️ Honoring a Hero: Major Dwayne Williams

🕊️ The Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument

The Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument, located in Veterans Park just off U.S. 11/Main Street in Trussville, is the state’s only public monument honoring all Alabama service members who have died in military service since 9/11. Spearheaded by Birmingham area veteran Mark Davis, the monument currently includes engraved names of fallen heroes and a growing number of bronze busts honoring individuals who gave their lives in the line of duty. The site is a sacred space of reflection, education, and gratitude—visited by veterans, families, school groups, and citizens year-round.

🪖About Major Dwayne Williams

U.S. Army Major Dwayne Williams was a proud Alabama native, raised in Jacksonville, and a graduate of University of North Alabama. A decorated officer and devoted family man, he tragically lost his life in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon. To honor his legacy of leadership, courage, and service, plans are underway to commission a bronze bust of Major Williams as a permanent tribute to his sacrifice and life of purpose.

Decorated U.S. Army Ranger and paratrooper
Served in Operation Desert Storm and other missions during his 18-year career
Honored by buildings named after him at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Jackson
Buried at Arlington National Cemetery
Scholarships in his name are awarded at Jacksonville State University and the University of North Alabama, his alma mater where he played football. His jersey number (33) was retired to honor his legacy.