While the years go by, the memories of September 11, 2001 stays with many of us. As we honor and remember the victims of 9/11 we can also use this day to bring us together as nation and as a family.
On Sept. 11, President Busch said “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.”
We lost many Americans and citizens of 78 countries died in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania on 9/11. As we honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, including 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers and 37 Port Authority police officers let us find some positive ways to help our family and children honor and remember this day.
1. Display the American flag.
This is a simple way to show our support for the American resolve. Have your children place the American flags proudly on your lawn or in a potted plant outside. You can also get American themed t-shirts so you can wear that day or your child can wear during the school day to remember 9/11.
2. Moment of silence OR prayer.
If your children do not already know about 9/11 then this would be a great time to tell them about your experience and where you were on that day. You can let them know about all the brave people who helped others to get out of the Twin Towers and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Take some time to be silent to ponder or to pray for those families who are still suffering from the loss of their loved ones.
3. Visit a local 9/11 Memorial
9/11 Memorials are a great way to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made on that day. Across Tampa Bay are several memorial displays that you can bring your family to experience.
Tampa Bay Area 9/11 Memorials
9/11 Fallen Heroes Memorial: Located near Ybor City, this memorial is located near stop 1 in the TECO trolley line which is not too far away from Ybor City. The display honors the first responders and has a beam from one of the twin towers. This memorial was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2014.1900 N 20th St, Tampa, FL 33605
Madeira Beach 9/11 Memorial sits on a portion of Causeway Park, which is located on 150th Avenue, just west of the Tom Stuart Causeway, in Florida. The location and each element of the structures that are displayed in this memorial has been carefully planned and placed to help remember and honor the events on Sept. 11th. It’s a very powerful display for the community to experience. 424 Tom Stuart Causeway, Madeira Beach, FL 33708.
Tampa Firefighters Museum in downtown Tampa has a beautiful structural display to honor the first responders and victims. Structures pieces from ground zero can be found there as well. The museum is filled with firefighter equipment, memorabilia, vehicles and interactive area for kids. While it’s a very small space, it does have a lot of items to explore. Admission is free, however please consider a donation to help with museum maintenance. 720 E Zack St, Tampa, FL 33602
4. Shower your local service men and women with gratitude
Write a special note of thanks and attach it to a tray of cookies or special treat to your local fires station or other first responders in your city. Bring the kids along so that they can thank these brave men and women for their service.
5. Attend a 9/11 Memorial Service Event
Tampa Fire Rescue 9/11 Observance Ceremony
Time: 9 a.m.- 10 a.m.
Location: Tampa Firefighters Museum, 720 E. Zack Street, Tampa, Florida
The public is encouraged to attend and join us in honoring the men and women who died during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony will last about 20 minutes. Tampa Fire Chief Nick LoCicero will be the master of ceremonies.
Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance Event
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: 3602 Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida, 33619
Please join Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Consumer & Veterans Services, and The Veterans Council of Hillsborough County for a Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance Event.
Curlew Hills Memory Gardens to Host 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, Florida, 34683
The event will include keynote speaker 9/11 survivor Patrick Anderson. The event will also highlight 9/11 artwork and a reading of a winning 9/11 essay.
9/11 Patriot Day of Remembrance Ceremony
Time: 8:30 -10 a.m.
Location: 9/11 Memorial Site, Madeira Beach
1st Left On Blind Pass Rd, Madeira Beach, Florida
Everyone in our area is invited to attend to pay tribute. This event is hosted by Hosted by American Legion Post 273.
City of New Port Richey 9/11 Memorial Gathering Hosted by American Legion Post 273, this event will have current and past Honor Guard members participating in the ceremony. The event begins on Blind Pass Road in Madeira Beach.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Sims Park, Grand Boulevard & Bank Street, New Port Richey, Florida, 34652
This 18th annual event is a special memorial to help our citizens remember and continue healing while building patriotism. This year’s speaker will be Anne Koster, who was working on the 81st floor of the North Tower when the plane impacted with the building. She will speak of her actual descent down 81 flights of stairs to survive the horrific event.
FDNY Retirees 9/11 Memorial Service
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Location: 14736 Edward R Noll Drive, Spring Hill, Florida, 34609
9/11 Memorial Service hosted by FDNY Retirees Spring Hill Chapter 343. A memorial service in honor of those lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11th. Viewing of the memorial built by our chapter members. Vocal Performances by local school children.
6. Volunteer and serve your neighbors.
After the attacks on 9/11, the willingness for Americans to serve seemed to be so powerful during that time. Continue that with your family visiting websites like volunteermatch.org or justserve.org. You can also look for ways to help your neighbors, local schools, homeless centers and other locations. Helping Hurricane victims can also be a great way to give back.
7. Donate to a charity that helps the families of 9/11 victims.
Organizations like Tuesday’s Children and the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund provide education assistance for postsecondary study to financially needy dependents of those people killed or permanently disabled as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and during the rescue activities relating to those attacks.
While this may be a somber day for many, we can also use this day to do good and to show the resiliency of America as we remember the many lives lost on Sept. 11th. Let us never forget.
