9/11: A Day of Remembrance
It’s been twenty years since the twin towers fell and the nation was stunned to silence. September 11 has been coined, “Patriot Day” here in the United States, in memory of the first responders and civilians killed in the attacks. In honor of the twentieth anniversary, we wanted to share a few ideas for individuals or families to mark the day.
1) Send a letter of appreciation to your local first responders.
Start with a generic salutation, such as “Dear Hero” or “Dear Brave One.” Express your thanks for their selfless service. Thank them for serving their community. First responders appreciate letters of gratitude anytime throughout the year, especially now.
Mail to one of the following:
- Polk County Fire Rescue
1295 Brice Blvd, Bartow, FL 33830 - Polk County Emergency Management
2470 Clower Ln, Bartow, FL 33830 - Highlands County Emergency Management
6850 S George Blvd, Sebring, FL 33875 - All Highlands County Fire Rescue Stations
- Hardee County Emergency Management
404 W Orange St, Wauchula, FL, 33873 - All Hardee County Fire Rescue Stations
2) Observe a moment of silence at the following times:
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- 8:46 a.m.: Hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 11 into floors 93 through 99 of the North Tower.
- 9:03 a.m.: Hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into floors 77 through 85 of the South Tower.
- 9:37 a.m.: Hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon, near Washington, D.C.
- 9:59 a.m.: The South Tower collapsed.
- 10:03 a.m.: After learning of the other attacks, passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 launched a counterattack on hijackers aboard their plane to try to seize control of the aircraft. In response, the hijackers crashed the plane into an empty field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- 10:28 a.m.: The North Tower collapsed, leaving the 16-acre World Trade Center site in ruins and collateral damage affecting all adjacent properties and streets. The rescue effort commenced immediately.
3) Join the special 1 hour cycling event at the YMCA of West Central Florida.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/YMCAWCF/
4) Participate in the LakelandPD’s Fallen Heroes 5K.
More information: https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/lakeland-police-department/
5) Visit the 911 Memorial virtually.
Visit here: https://www.911memorial.org/
6) Participate in a stair climb.
Climb the equivalent of 110 stories, the highest point of the World Trade Center. You can do this on your own at public steps or at a gym.
Other local events:
