Special Events
25 years later: Port St. Lucie remembers Sept. 11
On Sept. 11, the City of Port St. Lucie gathered to mark the 25th anniversary of 9 / 11, with a solemn remembrance ceremony honoring the lives lost, the heroes who responded and the lasting impact of that day on our nation.
The ceremony began at 8:30 a. m. and featured participation from local law enforcement, fire service, elected officials, students, honor guards and community members. The Multi- Agency Honor Guard, representing the Port St. Lucie Police Department, St. Lucie County Fire District and St. Lucie County Sheriff’ s Office, presented and posted the colors, setting the tone for a morning of reflection and remembrance.
Throughout the ceremony, the community paused to remember each of the four tragic events that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001. Bells were rung at 8:46 a. m. for American Airlines Flight 11, 9:03 a. m. for United Airlines Flight 175, 9:37 a. m. for American Airlines Flight 77 and 10:03 a. m. for United Airlines Flight 93. A final toll at 10:05 a. m. honored the rescue workers and those who later lost their lives to 9 / 11-related illnesses.
The program included remarks from Mayor Shannon M. Martin, Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk, St. Lucie County Fire District representatives Capt. Salomon Rincon and Firefighter / Paramedic Allen Civita, as well as guest speaker Rafael Diaz, a retired New York Police Department First Grade Detective. Their participation brought local and firsthand perspectives to a day that continues to hold deep meaning for communities across the country.
Music also played an important role in the ceremony. The Port St. Lucie High School Chamber Choir performed the " Star-Spangled Banner " and“ America the Beautiful,” while the St. Lucie County Fire District Pipes and Drums performed“ Highland Cathedral” and“ Amazing Grace.” The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute, " Taps," a benediction and the retiring of the colors.
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to gather inside the MIDFLORIDA Event Center for light refreshments and fellowship. Community members also were given the opportunity to leave a personal message at the Sept. 11 Memorial Fountain, with roses and note cards provided for those wishing to pay tribute in their own way. Flowers for the memorial were generously donated by Flowers by Susan.
Twenty-five years later, the importance of remembering remains. Through ceremony, music, reflection and the shared presence of the community, Port St. Lucie continues to honor those whose lives were forever changed on Sept. 11, 2001, and the courage, compassion and service that emerged in the days that followed.
We will never forget. www. CityofPSL. com / Events
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