(WSVN) - South Florida will solemnly mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a series of heartfelt events and tributes. From the unveiling of steel columns from the Twin Towers to poignant ceremonies across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, the region will come together to remember the tragic day that reshaped the nation.
The City of Miramar is set to unveil a 9/11 and Veterans Memorial at Miramar Regional Park, located at 16801 Miramar Parkway. This memorial, featuring two steel columns salvaged from the wreckage of the Twin Towers in New York on September 11, 2001, pays tribute to the fallen first responders and veterans who have selflessly served our nation. The solemn ceremony commenced at 8:15 a.m. and offered the community an opportunity to remember and reflect.
Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam spoke about how meaningful it will be to have the new memorial be a part of the city’s park.
“It’s a history lesson, especially for our next generation, to recognize that liberty isn’t free,” he said. “Our democracy is always being challenged and in our case, under attack on 9/11. So the City of Miramar, we are fortunate to have two relics of two high beams from the World Trade Center and to be able to prominently display it in the form of a memorial where our residents and visitors can pay homage to the 3,000 lives that passed.”
Captain Mike Yepez, a former officer with the New York Police Department, is now a resident of Miramar and holds a direct tie to 9/11.
“By having this monument we can come pay our respects any day of the week and especially on the anniversary dates,” he said.
In Miami Beach, first responders from the City of Miami Beach Fire and Police Departments came together for a joint observance on Monday to honor the memory of the 2,977 victims who tragically lost their lives during the 9/11 terror attacks 22 years ago.
The ceremony commenced at 8:30 a.m. outside Fire Station 2, located at 2300 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach. At 8:46 a.m., a moment of silence was observed as the American flag was lowered to half-staff, commemorating the exact time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
The Broward County Aviation Department hosted its annual Patriot Day commemoration at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Terminal 1 where Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher joined the event. The permanent 9/11 memorial in Terminal 1 includes a fragment of the World Trade Center’s South Tower, a New York Fire Department firefighter’s helmet, and an American flag donated by retired Lt. Col. Michael F. Janzen, USAF.
Students and staff in Davie also gathered to honor the memory of the thousands who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Since 2002, students have constructed a moving memorial symbolizing the Twin Towers, surrounded by the Pentagon, with a flagpole representing the state of Pennsylvania. Local fire departments and law enforcement agencies will join the “We Will Never Forget” ceremony, which includes participation from Western High’s JROTC, choral singers, band, and Student Government Association. This ceremony took place at 9:30 a.m. at Western High School.
Over in Miami Gardens, Councilman Robert Stephens invited the community to a solemn 9/11 memorial service at Dr. Lester B. Brown Park, located at 19405 NW 32nd Ave. This year’s memorial service includes a special moment—the unveiling of “Stop the Bleed” kits to promote safety and preparedness within the community while in city parks.
The “Stop the Bleed” initiative aims to educate and empower individuals to be immediate responders, providing crucial assistance in life-threatening bleeding situations until emergency medical services arrive. The event will be held until noon.
The City of Hialeah Fire Department 1 held its Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, a tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. The event, which took place at Hialeah Fire Station 1, located at 93 E 5th St. drew the participation of Mayor Steve Bovo, members of the City of Hialeah Council, firefighters, and the local community. It started at 10 a.m., providing an opportunity for the community to come together and remember this solemn day of remembrance.
At 6:00 p.m., the City of Pompano Beach held a remembrance and recognition ceremony for the lives that were lost 22 years ago. The event was open to the public.
A common thread between all the ceremonies was to show respect and gratitude to first responders who do what can to keep their communities safe.
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