Schedule of Memorial Events for the 10th Anniversary of 9/11

The 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on this country will be momorialized in a series of events this weeks. From veterans to law enforcement to school children, the week's events say "we remember."

Here is a list of the week's coming events:

SEPTEMBER 7:

• First responders and those directly affected by the events of 9/11 will share their personal experiences and stories at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. Presented by the university's Institute for Public Policy and Leadership, the program, “Triumph over Tragedy: Remembering 9/11 a Decade Later,” will take place in the Selby Auditorium, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota beginning at 4:00 p.m. Among those featured will be Dan Hoffe, who was on the 61st floor of the South Tower when the North Tower was hit and was still in the building when the second plane hit the south tower and Bonnie Greenball Silvestri, who worked at the Family Assistance Unit at Pier 49 in New York and helped victim’s families obtain death certificates. The public is welcome. Space is limited so those who want to attend are encouraged to RSVP to 941-359-4602.

SEPTEMBER 8:

• Former NBA Referee and Undercover Policeman Bob Delaney will speak to students at regarding the events of 9/11 at 11 a.m. Delaney, a local resident, retired from the NBA in April after 25-years of service. Prior to his work as a referee, Delaney worked as an undercover agent for the New Jersey State Police. Delaney now speaks to military veterans and other groups regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For more information, contact Bayshore Elementary Principal Annette Codelia at 751-7000.

• The Manatee Tiger Bay Club will offer a panel discussion on 9/11 at Pier 22, 1200 First Ave., Bradenton. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Meeting starts at noon. Cost: $20 for members and $25 for guests. For reservations: Email manateetigerbay@aol.com or call (941) 746-1151.   The panel includes: Cathy Giliberti, former executive vice president and attorney for Silverstein Properties Inc., which held all the World Trade Center leases; Sheriff Brad Steube who will talk about MSO’s post-9/11 mission, the changes in law enforcement and advances in technology; Rick Piccolo, president and chief executive officer of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Airports and travelers continue to be impacted by new laws and policies that have been put in place since 9/11.

SEPTEMBER 9:

• will hold a Memorial Service in the school auditorium beginning at 9 a.m. The service will include eyewitness accounts from people who experienced the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The purpose of the service is to help students understand what took place and how it continues to impact our society today and into the future. The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Dan Crumpler at 751-8230, ext. 2321.

• will air a “special edition” of school announcements at 9:11 a.m. The announcements will include video interviews with faculty and staff regarding where they were on 9/11 and what they remember. A student will also read a letter written by a girl who lost her father on 9/11. For more information, contact King Middle Social Studies Department Chair Tara Rhodes Takacs at 798-6820, ext. 265.

• will have a memorial service at 12:15 p.m. at the out-door stage behind the student union. The ceremony will begin with the Chamber Choir singing the national anthem. That will be followed by a welcome and Words of Remembrance. The poem "One" will be read aloud. Other musical selections include "Do Not Stand at My Grave" "America, The Beautiful" and "May the Road Rise to Meet You." The ceremony will conclude at 12:40 with the playing of "Taps" and a moment of silence.

SEPTEMBER 11

• The 5th Annual Manatee County 9/11 Remembrance Ride will take place from  9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The ride, sponsored by the Manatee COounty Sheriff's Office, is open to the public. Gather at the parking lot, 600 301 Blvd. St. W.  The fully-escorted ride leaves from the parking lot and will travel to Coquina Beach for a short memorial ceremony. Members of the public are encouraged to sit along the route and cheer the bikers on.  All motorcyclists are welcome to participate.

• and will lead a multi-faith and cultural service at 5 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 4200 32nd St. W, Bradenton. The keynote speaker is retired New York firefighter Garrett Lindgren, who was one of the first people on the scene on Sept. 11.