Roy Williams is used to growing despondent as the calendar approaches Sept. 11 and the grief from losing his brother floods back.

But this year is different.

“Instead of remembering how he died we are going to celebrate how he lived,” said Williams. “I’m at peace now for the first time in 23 years.”

His brother, Army Major Dwayne Williams, was working in the Pentagon 23 years ago today and died when a hijacked plane crashed into the building.

For two decades, Major Williams’ mother Pearl and now his brother Roy have led commemorations to honor their loved one.

But today’s Sept. 11 commemoration is a vibrant celebration of life rather than a moment of sorrow.

Today, Roy Williams is presenting a benefit music performance this evening at 6 p.m. featuring Rob Langford, an Elvis Presley impersonator, and Aretha Franklin impersonator Kimberly Harmon. Both performers will be backed by the Beale Street Band.

The free outdoor show will be in the Trussville Entertainment District, 119 Beach Street in Trussville, adjacent to Ferus Artisan Ales.

Williams said Langford presented the concept to him and suggested hosting the show on Sept. 11.

Major Dwayne Williams was Langford’s former military commander. Langford now works for the VA Hospital in Birmingham.

He called it an honor to pay tribute to his former Army commander.

“He was an inspirational leader who changed the trajectory of my life,” Langford said.

Donations from the free “Take the Day Back” tribute show will help fund a bronze statue of Major Williams in the Alabama Fallen Warriors Monument in Trussville.

Proceeds will also go toward the Major Dwayne Williams Memorial ROTC Scholarship at Jacksonville State University.

Donations are tax deductible and may also be sent to the American Legion Post 205, SSG Michael Holsey, 7257 Old Springville Rd., Clay AL 35126.

Williams, a native of Jacksonville and a graduate of the University of North Alabama, was serving at the Pentagon when the building was attacked by terrorists who hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 and crashed into the west side of the building.

Williams was the oldest of four sons. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery

He was among 2,977 people who died during the Sept. 11 attacks at the Pentagon, at the World Trade Center in New York, and aboard a plane that crashed near Shanksville, Pa.

“Put aside race, put aside politics and let’s unite under the colors of red, white and blue, just like we did after 9/11,” Roy Williams said. “Obviously, it’s a tragic day. I live it every day, but I want to be able to celebrate his life instead of his death.”