HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Twenty-three years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Americans continue to honor the lives lost through a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Consumer & Veteran Services, and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County invite the community to join them for the annual Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance event at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Museum, located at 3602 U.S. Highway 301 N., Tampa, FL 33619.
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This solemn event aims to inspire a generation too young to remember 9/11, emphasizing the importance of service and duty. Students, teachers, parents, neighbors, and Veterans are encouraged to attend and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Highlights of the ceremony will include:
- A giant American flag raised by ladder trucks
- A traditional fire service “ringing of the bell” ceremony
- A ceremonial escort of a 135-pound steel beam salvaged from the Twin Towers, symbolizing the sacrifices of 9/11
- Participation by Hillsborough County JROTC units
- Remarks from Fire Chiefs Jason Dougherty (Hillsborough County), Ian Kemp (Temple Terrace), and Jeremy Sidlauskas (Plant City)
- A demonstration by the Urban Search and Rescue team
- Involvement from the U.S. Coast Guard St. Petersburg Station and the U.S. Marine Corps 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion
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Following the ceremony, attendees are encouraged to engage with service professionals, including first responders, military personnel, and Veterans. The U.S. Coast Guard will showcase a 29-foot rescue response boat, while the U.S. Marine Corps will display a military vehicle and and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue will present its Urban Search and Rescue trailer.
The event, held at Veterans Memorial Park’s outdoor amphitheater, is free and open to the public. Attendees are invited to explore the park’s various memorials after the ceremony.
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