Sept. 11 Patriot Ceremony Invites Residents To Pause, Remember

TAMPA, FL -- Seventeen years later, Sept. 11, 2001, remains a day that stirs painful memories and deep emotions. It's also a day that brings people from all walks of life together to pause and reflect.

Hillsborough County and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County invite the community to a Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance event on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Park and Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr., Veterans Museum, 3602 U.S. 301 N. in Tampa.

First responders and military members will lead the tribute to lives lost and sacrifices made as a result of the attacks on America on Sept. 11, 2001. In addition to keynote speakers from U.S. Central Command and Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, the ceremony will include a solemn escort and procession of a steel beam salvaged from the World Trade Center twin towers. The 135-pound section of solid steel is part of the Veterans Museum collection.

Hosted by Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Veterans Council, the ceremony also will feature:

• A unified honor guard comprised of fire service members from multiple agencies
• A traditional fire service bell ceremony, rifle salute, and taps
• A giant American flag hoisted by ladder trucks
• Stirring patriotic music

Bleacher seating will be available for the outdoor ceremony; attendees also may bring lawn chairs. In event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside the Veterans Resource Center.

For more information about the Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance event or Veterans Memorial Park & Museum, call Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services at (813) 635-8316 or click here.

Image via Brandon Patch

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