This Sunday will mark 15 years since the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Surrounded by law enforcement, paramedics and firefighters at the Tampa Firefighter’s Museum, Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Fire Chief Thomas Forward honored those who were killed that day.
“This is a day that we honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, not just the 343 firefighters that ran into that building knowing full well that they weren’t coming home,” Buckhorn said. “We honor the transit officers, we honor the New York Police Department, and we honor the men and women that were attacked and murdered on that day.”
There was a moment of silence and a 12-bell salute in remembrance of the approximately 3,000 people who died in the attacks.
“We can’t forget the other 3,000 civilians that were lost that day,” Buckhorn said. “Every day I see these firefighters in Tampa and Hillsborough County and these police officers, they would do the exact same thing.”
Forward said he wants these people’s legacies to live on, no matter how many years have passed since the attack.
“We want to make certain that the men and women who gave their lives on 9/11 in 2001 that they are never ever forgotten,” he said.
There are various remembrance events happening in the Tampa Bay area on Saturday and Sunday:
Saturday
Brooksville
9/11 Memorial Bike Run
16230 Aviation Loop Drive.
There will be a police escorted ride with entertainment, food, drinks and a raffle. This event will benefit veterans suffering from PTSD. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the bike run begins at 11:30 a.m. Prices is $10 and $5 for a passenger. T-shirts are included with the $20 pre-registration package.
Bradenton
And Then There Was Quiet: New York After 9/11
1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W.
There will be an opening reception and artist talk for the part documentary, part art installation by artist David Gordon beginning at 1 p.m. It will remain on display until Sept. 30. This event is free to the public.
Sunday
Spring Hill
YMCA 9/11 Run to Remember
1300 Mariner Boulevard
The 5K memorial run and one mile walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. A continental breakfast is provided after the run. The event is free but registration is required.
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
14736 Edward R. Noll Drive
This ceremony, beginning at 10 a.m., is hosted by the Retired New York City Firefighters of Spring Hill and will remember and honor the victims of Sept.11. Refreshments will be served prior to the ceremony.
New Port Richey
9/11 Spartan Pledge Ceremony
8718 Trouble Creek Road.
Starting at 10 a.m., the Pasco County Vet Center and the Firefighter Charities of Pasco Inc., will host this event for veterans. There will be a bounce house for children and live entertainment after the ceremony. Food is available for purchase.
Tarpon Springs
9/11 Memorial
230 Grand Boulevard
This interfaith community gathering will commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks as well as recent tragedies around the world. The event is free and begins at 3 p.m.
Clearwater
9/11 Observance Ceremony
1140 Court Street
Starting at 9:40 a.m., fire trucks will come from the fire station with lights activated in remembrance of Sept. 11. There will be a radio call and a moment of silence shortly after to remember when the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.
Palm Harbor
9th Annual Kids Triathlon for Freedom
1600 16th Street
The Greater Palm Harbor YMCA will have their annual swim, bike, run triathlon on Sunday beginning at 7:30 a.m. The event will begin with opening ceremonies dedicated to everyone who died 15 years ago. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 are invited to participate.
