This Saturday marks twenty years since the terror attacks in 2001. It's still very difficult for me to watch video or look at photos from that day, as I know it's difficult for many of you. It's so important to remember and honor those we lost, those who jumped into action to help, and those who continue to serve.
If you'd like to attend a memorial service on Saturday, here is a of events, so you can choose the one closest to you. God Bless America.
BRADENTON:
A ceremony will be held to honor those who died, and 2,977 American flags will be displayed at 8:20 a.m. at the University of South Florida-Manatee campus. Dan Hoffe, a Sarasota man who was inside the World Trade Center when it was attacked, is the scheduled speaker.
From 9-10 a.m. at Rossi Park, 400 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, the Manatee County Fire Chief’s Association hosts the ceremony will honor those who died in 9/11 as well as Manatee County first responders.
From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the second annual 9/11 Memorial Car Show at Bradenton Motorsports Park, 21000 State Road 64, pays tribute to those who died as well as all in the military. Admission is $20, and registration for the show is $20. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the not-for-profit organization Jackson In Action 83 Foundation.
ST PETERSBURG:
Rise St Pete will be located on the 22nd Street Corridor in the Warehouse Arts District. The centerpiece will consist of a nine-foot-fall, 4,000-pound steel beam, the last one removed from the World Trade Center.
The official unveiling is Saturday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
PALM HARBOR:
Curlew Hills Memory Garden, located at 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, will host its 20th anniversary 9/11 memorial service Saturday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. The venue recommends to arrive early as parking is limited and once parking lot is full admission will be closed. Garrett Lindgren, Retired FDNY is the keynote speaker and Lee Greenwood is the musical guest.
TAMPA
Join the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Ranch Run being held on Patriot Day, September 11th, 2021 at Temple Terrace Elementary. Those joining will have the option of participating in a 5k, 10k, 15k or bring the family for our 1 Mile Walk. There will be a national moment of silence at 8:46am to remember the lives lost on that tragic day.
WINTER HAVEN:
This event honors all military, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The free event is at 5 p.m. on Sept. 11 at South Central Park in downtown Winter Haven.
SARASOTA:
A remembrance ceremony begins at 9:45 a.m. at Fire Station 16, 5875 Hummingbird Ave. in Twin Lakes Park. There will also be a moment of silence at the Sarasota County Administration Center.
The 15th annual Manasota 9/11 Remembrance Ride begins at 3 p.m. at Rossiter's Harley Davidson, 330 Cattlemen Road, and will conclude at Sahib Shrine Center, 600 N. Beneva Road. Registration begins at 1 p.m., and the ride is free.
The Sarasota Police Department in conjunction with Sarasota Ministerial Association and other law enforcement and fire rescue agencies will commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 at 6 p.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72.
An event will be held on Friday, Sept. 10, at the Sarasota-Manatee campus of USF. It will feature guest speakers, a local children's choir, military and first responders.
LONGBOAT KEY:
Gulf of Mexico Drive will be lined all day with 2,977 American flags in honor of those killed in 9/11.
WESLEY CHAPEL:
The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel is partnering with Tampa Premium Outlets to host a one-mile memorial run on Saturday, Sept. 11.
The run starts at 7:30 a.m. at the outlets and will be followed by a ceremony at 8:46 a.m., the time American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
LAKEWOOD RANCH:
Starting at 9 a.m., Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts a day of remembrance at Main Street. The Out-of-Door Academy orchestra will play. Guest speakers will include former New York City firefighter Steve Lubrino, other local residents who were on the scene of the World Trade Center and Commissioner Vanessa Baugh. A 6-by-4-foot monument will be available to write memories on.
VENICE:
A ceremony in honor of the victims of Sept. 11 and the members of the military killed in the war on terror begins at 10 a.m. in Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd.
If you know of any events that I didn't include on this list, email me and I'll happily add the event. sarahjacobs@iheartmedia.com . Thank you!
Photo: Getty Images