SUNCOAST- On the 19th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks, many on the Suncoast continue to remember and pay tribute to those we lost nearly two decades ago.
“19 years ago today, our great nation was confronted with one of our darkest times, it was a day that will have an everlasting impact on our nation’s history,” said North Port Police Chief, Todd Garrison.
The City of North Port held a virtual Patriot’s Day Service Friday morning, remembering those who lost their lives on this day in 2001.
“Today is September 11th, 2020, its time to work back together regardless of race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, gender preference, political party or special interest group, It’s important to acknowledge the past, and to never forget the past but to learn and live move forward and accept each other’s differences,” said North Port Fire Chief, Scott Titus.
In Venice, the annual September 11th memorial ceremony held at Patriots Park was canceled this year because of COVID-19.
However, many still visited the park, where a steel support beam lifted from the rubble of the north tower of the World Trade Center sits in the middle of the park.
“I’m happy, that we are taking the time to remember,” said Venice Resident who Served in the Coast Guard, Bob Burton.
Burton’s nephew died in 2007 in Afghanistan, his name is one of the many engraved on the wall of the memorial.
Burton says we need to reflect, every year.
“On some of the serious things that have happened in our country and how together we were then, I mean it was amazing how everybody came together, it was the way it was,” said Burton.
“9/11 drew us together as a country as people, the anniversary of 9/11 should renew that unity and boy do we need it this year,” said Retired U.S. Air force Master Sergeant, Barbara Vaughn.
