Every American remembers exactly where they were on September 11, 2001. To ensure that we never forget this day and always remember those who perished or worked to save others on that day, several groups are organizing events to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.
On Friday, September 9, at 12 Noon in Joe Chillura Park in downtown Tampa, there will be a community-wide event featuring laying of wreaths on a 14-ft. piece of beam from the World Trade Center. The National Anthem will be sung and there will be several speakers. The Air Force will conduct a fly-over, and a multi-jurisdictional Honor Guard will surround the beam.
Walt Raysick, president of the Veterans Affairs Council of Hillsborough County and a resident of Valrico said, “Because this is the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, we decided to join in with Hillsborough County to hold one large event. In addition to the Sheriff’s Department’s 14-ft. beam, we will display the Veteran’s Council’s beam as well.”
County Commissioner Al Higginbotham, a resident of Plant City said, “The United States of America is marked by many historic events. As we have seen, the tragedy of 9/11 has united us into a stronger and more thoughtful nation.”
For more information, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org.
On Saturday, September 10, AMVETS Post 44 will host a Patriot Day Event at the International Independent Showmen’s Association, located at 6915 Riverview Dr. in Riverview, from 12 Noon-8 p.m. This family oriented event will feature food, live entertainment and displays from local police, fire, EMS and the military.
A donation of $15 per person is requested. First responders, military in uniform and children under 12 are admitted free.
For more information, visit www.911remembrance.org.
On Sunday, September 11, Bell Shoals Baptist Church, located at 2102 Bells Shoals Rd. in Brandon, is planning a special 9/11 Sunday. Dr. Stephen Rummage, Sr. Pastor, will be offering a message entitled “Where Were You on September 11, 2001?” at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.
If you were personally affected by the September 11th tragedy, the Bell Shoals media team is conducting “man on the streets” interviews and wants to hear from you. If you want to tell your personal story, please contact the media team at cjones@bellshoals.com.
Pastor Don Ewart, of Keysville Assembly of God, is working with the FAA to get a flyover at 12 Noon on Sunday, September 11. You can show your patriotism by coming outside at 12 Noon along Lithia Pinecrest Rd. from S.R. 60 to C.R. 39 and down to Keysville Rd. and witnessing a flyover in honor of those who perished on September 11, 2001.
The United Methodist Church of Sun City Center will host a Community Service of Remembrance and Recovery at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The event will feature local fire and rescue workers, law enforcement officers and individuals connected to 9/11.
Jeff Jordan, director of Music and the Arts said, “We hope to provide an experience for the community of remembrance and healing at this event. It will highlight music by the community choir, a professional orchestra and lots of imagery.”
For more information, visit www.sccumc.com.
You can also attend a CRY OUT AMERICA! 9/11 Prayer Rally on Sunday, September 11, at 4 p.m. at the Joe Chillura Courthouse Square Park, located at the corner of Morgan Ave. and Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa. The Prayer Rally is for all individuals living in Hillsborough County and will last approximately one hour.
For more information, visit www.cryoutamericaflorida.weebly.com.
The Hilton Garden Inn, located at 4328 Garden Vista Dr. in Riverview, will hold a Remembrance of 9/11 on Saturday, September 10, beginning at 8:32 a.m., the exact time that the first tower was struck in New York. The one-and-a-half hour event will feature Echo Taps, a TSA Honor Guard and a Rifle Team from the National Guard Honor Team.
