Called to Serve: Stories from Courage Can Save Us

On the evening of October 6, 2026, Ford’s Theatre hosts a special live conversation titled “Called to Serve: Stories from Courage Can Save Us,” an evening dedicated to remembering the Americans who stepped forward to serve in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The program centers on the idea that the desire to serve—whether in the military or within one’s own community—was felt across the nation in extraordinary ways. Through personal stories of bravery, quiet resolve, and lives transformed by pivotal moments, the discussion explores what happens when ordinary people are called to do extraordinary things, and it offers an invitation to remember, to honor, and to find hope in humanity’s capacity to rise.

The evening is built around author Rye Barcott, who brings together several individuals featured in his book “Courage Can Save Us” for a conversation about service, sacrifice, and commitment. Barcott is a Marine Corps veteran, social entrepreneur, investor, and New York Times-bestselling author. He is the co-founder and CEO of With Honor, a cross-partisan organization that supports principled veteran leadership in public office, and he previously co-founded CFK Africa, a youth leadership organization in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as Double Time Capital, a solar power investment firm. His earlier book, “It Happened on the Way to War: A Marine’s Path to Peace,” explores the relationship between humanitarian and military service, and he has received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Dartmouth College.

When: October 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET.

Venue: Ford’s Theatre, Washington, D.C.

Admission: Free and open to the public, with in-person attendance.

Registration: Advance registration is required; attendees are directed to register for the event.

Lineup: Author Rye Barcott, joined by several individuals featured in “Courage Can Save Us.” Specific guest names are not listed.

Run time: Not specified; the program is billed as a conversation and discussion.

Ages: No age restriction is noted in the event information.

Accessibility: The event is listed as accessible.

Underwriting: The program is generously underwritten by the Come From Away Commemorative Committee, with Honorary Chairs President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush, and Committee Chairs Anita and Tim McBride.