Bradenton 9/11 observances to remember those who lost their lives, those who served

James A. Jones Jr.
·2 min read

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93 claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

In remembrance of those who lost their lives, and those who served during that national tragedy, several Bradenton area events are planned.

Among them:

▪ A Tribute to Heroes Memorial 9 a.m. Monday by the Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association at the Rossi Park pavilion area, 400 Third Ave. W., Bradenton.

Scheduled are honor guard presentations, speakers, a 21-gun salute and a live dove release. Retired Captain John Cronley of the New York Fire Department will be the keynote speaker.

▪ The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus will remember victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and pay tribute to survivors, first responders, members of the military and their families, Monday at Patriot Plaza, Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota.

Sarasota National Cemetery, which opened in 2008 at 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, is the resting place for thousands of veterans, including a number who lost their lives in wars after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. This photo was taken in 2014.
Sarasota National Cemetery, which opened in 2008 at 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, is the resting place for thousands of veterans, including a number who lost their lives in wars after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. This photo was taken in 2014.

Usually held on USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus, the annual remembrance event is being moved this year due to construction of a new student center and residence hall on campus. The event will start at 8:30 a.m.

The featured speaker is retired firefighter Matt Bruce, who was injured during the attack on the World Trade Center.

▪ State College of Florida Student Veterans of America and Veteran Services will host a 9/11 memorial ceremony 9-10 a.m. Monday at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. The observance will be near the south entrance flagpole on 60th Avenue West near the Library and Learning Center.

▪ The commander and pilot for Air Force One on 9/11, Col. Mark W. Tillman, will share his experiences in a free program at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, on Wednesday, Sept. 13. The program begins at 10 a.m. and includes a tribute to military veterans and first responders.