Polk County 9/11 Remembrance Marks 18th Anniversary

WINTER HAVEN, FL — The Polk County Veteran's Council along with Polk County fire and law enforcement agencies will mark the 18th anniversary of 9/11 with an event that honors all county first responders.

This year's event kicks off with a Freedom Walk — a way to symbolically honor the "dedication and sacrifices" that first responders make every day.

"The Freedom Walk will be led by the Winter Haven High School Army ROTC honor
guard along with a bagpipe playing as the walkers wind through downtown Winter
Haven," organizers explained.

A boot display will honor each Polk County first responder who has perished in
the line of duty.

"This includes law enforcement, fire/EMT as well as military," said organizers. Students from Winter Haven Christian School will provide music and a special dramatic reading.

Local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will lead the Pledge of
Allegiance while a multi-agency honor guard presents the colors. Law
enforcement agencies from across the county will be represented with displays.

The event is sponsored by the Winter Haven Police Department with assistance from the Winter Haven Fire Department.

"All law enforcement and fire agencies in Polk County are set to participate in this memorable event," organizers said.

Honoring Our Heroes — Remembering the Day will take place on
Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Central Park in downtown Winter Haven.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. featuring the Freedom Walk to honor all
military, law enforcement, firefighters and EMS heroes, followed by a moving
service that will pay tribute to all heroes who call Polk County home.

The evening will culminate with a sunset luminary service as every attendee holds
a candle in honor of all of our heroes. Candles will be provided.

"This event is a way to pull all of Polk County together and show our local
heroes how much they mean to us," said Gary Clark, Chairman of the Polk County
Veteran's Council. "As a community, we should pay tribute to all of those who
serve us on a daily basis, putting their lives on the line whether here at
home or abroad."

American studies scholar Angus Gillespie of Rutgers University said New York's Twin Towers were more than office buildings.

"They are symbols of America, just as the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben represent their countries," he explained. "The builders intended the towers to make a statement about the importance of the Port of New York and New Jersey. The complex rose like Emerald City, with fountains and sculptures from what was once a dilapidated area of half-abandoned stores.”

Gillespie conducted a number of interviews prior to the attacks with bankers, shippers, freight forwarders, traders and other workers in the Twin Towers prior to the attacks.
“It was the people who worked there, however, who gave this complex life, purpose, and vibrancy," he added.

Winter Haven Central Park is located at 1-35 4th St NW. For more information about the event, contact Jamie Brown of the Winter Haven Police Department at 863-295-5905 or via email: jbrown@mywinterhaven.com