Communities across Broward County are honoring the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks with ceremonies and memorial events on Thursday, the 24th anniversary of the tragedy.
The Broward County Aviation Department is hosting its annual memorial service at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, a tradition now in its 10th year. The ceremony includes several speakers and displays of historic artifacts, including a fragment of the World Trade Center’s south tower, an American flag, and the helmet of a New York City firefighter who participated in recovery efforts.
In Miramar, a remembrance ceremony began at 8:15 a.m. at Miramar Regional Park. “September 11th will forever remain a day of reflection and unity,” said Mayor Wayne Messam in a statement. “As we remember the lives lost on that tragic day, we also honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.”
Other ceremonies around the county include a wreath-laying at 8:30 a.m. in front of Lauderhill Fire Station 57, followed by a memorial tower climb, and a 9 a.m. ceremony hosted by the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum. That event features a Presentation of Colors, remarks from city officials, a keynote address, and a 9/11 tribute with a ceremonial ringing of the bell, TAPS, and a moment of silence.
Broward County Public Schools also joined in the commemorations, with memorial events scheduled Thursday morning at Cooper City High School and Western High School.
Earlier this week, Tamarac Fire Rescue firefighters held their own tribute at HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital, climbing 110 flights of stairs to honor the 343 New York City firefighters who died saving lives at the World Trade Center. Carrying about 70 pounds of gear each, the participants said the climb was both physically grueling and deeply symbolic.
“There’s not much that we can do, but we figured in order to remember them, we’ll just suffer,” said Capt. Alex Seaman. “Just knowing that our brothers lost their lives to do something as courageous as they were doing, and then to do this with our current brothers… there’s no other feeling like it.”
