5 events in Lake County to commemorate 9/11
Sept. 11, 2001, was a tragic day we will never forget, but amid all the horror and after the terrorist attacks, the country stood together strong and united.
Relive that camaraderie, and hear stories about those lost and saved on 9/11 as first responders and local luminaries share words and patriotic performers commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States. Here are some events marking the solemn occasion throughout Lake County:
9/11 Prayer Breakfast with Special Guest T.C. Stallings
Take part in a sunrise prayer breakfast in commemoration of 9/11 victims and first responders. T.C. Stallings, a former athlete turned actor known for his roles in “War Room” and “No Vacancy,” will speak. $20. 7 a.m., Monday, Sept. 11, at Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Court in Leesburg. 911patriot.org.
9/11 'Never Forget' Ceremony
Mike Trainor, a former New York first responder will speak along with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and performance of the National Anthem by Andy Palmer. 8:30 a.m. Lake County Historical Society and Museum, 317 W. Main St., Tavares. lakecountyfl.gov.
Clermont salute and remembrance
Guest speakers personally touched by the 9/11 tragedy — including the mother of a passenger on the highjacked Flight 93 who helped stop the terrorist and an NYPD officer who responded and assisted with search efforts at the World Trade Center — will share thoughts and memories.
Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway, a former New York City Police detective, and Clermont Police Chaplain Mike Saxe, a retired New York City Police officer and 9/11 first responder, will lead the program with Clermont Fire Chief David Ezell.
A presentation of colors by Clermont’s Public Safety Fire and Police Honor Guard will be featured. U.S. Naval Sea Cadets and the Retired Public Safety City of Mount Dora Pipes and Drums Team will perform, and a ceremonial fire bell, a 21-gun salute, taps and the Clermont Police Department's 9/11 memorial vehicle will also mark the anniversary.
The ceremony will be followed by a reception sponsored by Sonny’s BBQ of Clermont. 10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 11, at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, 3700 S. U.S. 27, Clermont. clermontfl.gov.
Read more about T.C. Stallings T.C. Stallings, star of movie shot in Leesburg, coming back to speak at 9-11 prayer event
Paper mementos
Retired videojournalist Michael Ragsdale, who lived in New York on Sept. 11, 2001, will talk about his unique approach to 9/11 remembrance. According to a story in the Triangle News Leader, Ragsdale, now a Tavares resident, began collecting event-oriented ephemera — posters, brochures and other paper documents — in 1997, but his hobby took on a new focus on Sept. 11, 2001, when he picked up an ATM receipt on Sept. 11, 2001.
He collected fliers, posters, cards, brochures, lesser-known publications, event programs, copies of speeches and press releases. Ragsdale donated part of his collection to the National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. 12:30 p.m. at the Tavares Public Library, 314 N. New Hampshire Ave., Tavares. collection.911memorial.org/Gallery/1084.
Honoring and celebrating the heroes of 9/11 in Leesburg
Every year, retired fire chief and owner of the Great Chicago Fire Brewery and Eatery hosts a 9/11 remembrance at the fire and police memorial in front of his restaurant.
An intro to Sokol's Chicago spot Chicago-style pizza in Leesburg
John Sokol will play an interview with Father Gary Kadow, who was brought in as a chaplain during the attacks. "The interview is detailed and inspirational," Sokol said. The event also includes a performance of the National Anthem by Joa Jane Harpster, a benediction, words from Sokol, and live music by Nathan Jay Leslie.
Follow the show on YouTube at youtube.com/@centralfloridasalute8438. 5 p.m., 311 W. Magnolia St., downtown Leesburg. chifibrew.com.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Lake County: 5 events commemorating 9/11
