Twin Beams To Shine For 4 Days At Palm Harbor 9/11 Memorial

PALM HARBOR, FL — From Saturday, Sept. 7 to Tuesday, Sept. 10, two vertical beams of light, similar to those at the 9/11 Twin Towers memorial in New York City, will shine from Curlew Hills Memory Gardens to honor those killed in the 9/11 attacks.

These iconic twin beams of light will shine from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will be visible for a five-mile radius, serving as a beacon of reflection and remembrance for 2,997 victims Sept. 11, 2001 and the service men and women who have died since in the war on terrorism.

The 9/11 Memorial at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens is a one-of-a-kind memorial featuring a 150-pound piece of rusted steel beam salvaged from the debris of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers. The memorial is constructed with nearly 30 tons of American granite and features an eternal flame at its base.

The twin beams are a preview to Curlew Hills Memory Gardens' 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, one of the largest ceremonies in Tampa Bay.

Featuring keynote speaker Patrick Anderson, a 9/11 survivor, the ceremony will be held at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m.

Events highlights:

• Mark Wilson, Fox Channel 13 anchor will be master of ceremonies.
• Patrick Anderson, 9/11 survivor, will be the keynote speaker.
• Florida Sen. Ed Hooper and Florida Rep. Chris Sprowls are scheduled to speak.
• Sonya Bryson-Kirksey, retired from the Air Force and the national anthem singer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, will present the national anthem.
• A 9-11 art display will feature 500 pieces of artwork with the theme “What 9-11 Means to Me” by students from Curlew Creek Elementary, Ozona Elementary, Westlake Christian School and Kings Highway Elementary.
• The middle school student essay contest winner will read his/her winning essay with the theme “How Did 9-11 Impact Our Nation.”

The program also will include honor guards, a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office flyover, a U.S. Coast Guard flyover and a performance by the Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts and the Palm Harbor University High School After-School Specials, an a capella singing group.

Guests attending the 9/11 ceremony are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating. The event will be held outside. Water will be provided.

Call Curlew Hills Memory Gardens at 727-789-2000 for more information.