Victims Of 9/11 Remembered Around Miami

MIAMI, FL — The Miami area remembered victims of the 9/11 terror attacks on Tuesday in ceremonies across South Florida.

In Miami, Mayor Francis Suarez led a ceremony in front of City Hall. The joint Miami Fire-Rescue and Miami Police 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony included an honor guard, prayer, alarm office announcement and moment of silence.

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"On this solemn day, the city of Miami also expresses its gratitude to all first-responders who put their lives on the line, like those who sacrificed their lives to save others on Sept. 11, 2001," according to city officials.

In Miami Beach, Mayor Dan Gelber presided over a commemoration of the 17th anniversary of the tragedy.

"Our nation has precious few moments that sort of joly you where you remember where you were," Gelber said at a ceremony outside Fire Station No. 2. "For my father, who was a buck sergeant in World War II, it was clearly Pearl Harbor. "For many, it might have been the Kennedy or King assassinations. But for everybody, it certainly is 9/11. It was a moment that was perhaps our nation's darkest hour in so many ways. But in that darkness, somehow our nation was able to find its greatest virtues."

Watch as Mayor Gelber delivers his remarks below:

Aventura Commissioner Howard Weinberg said 9/11 is a day to remember the thousands of souls that were lost that day, including many Floridians. But it is also a day to remember the bravery of so many.

"Their heroic actions saved lives and symbolized America's values," he said.

Palmetto Bay Councilwoman Karyn Cunningham recalled that she was standing in a classroom of 30 first graders when the first airplane crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center.

"Within moments, it became apparent that something of great significance had occurred as over the next hour, student after student was called to the office to be picked up by their families until almost none remained. It was a frightening and unsettling day," she explained. "In light of the terrible tragedy, I was surprised to have all of my students in attendance the very next day."

Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert also described the significance of the horrific attacks.

"An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us, but also an attack on our way of life," he said. "It is an attack on our understanding that all men and women are created equal with certain inalienable rights."

The Miami Dolphins remembered 9/11 with a visit to the Miami VA Healthcare System and West Palm Beach VA Medical Center.

Dolphin players Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson along with former player Mark Duper, a contingent of cheerleaders and mascot TD were on hand for the visit.

Miami VA Healthcare System Chief Titilola Olugbakinro said that the patients got a boost from seeing the players.

"I have a patient that told me that, ‘I saw them from the pain clinic. I was in pain — as soon as I saw them — the pain disappeared.’ You couldn’t ask for more,” Olugbakinro explained. “It’s like a healing therapy for (the patients) to see (the Dolphins players). We are very happy that they came out of their busy time to come and visit us today.”

Stills recalled that he was in elementary school when the attacks took place.

"We ended up seeing the first building hit while I was at home,” the Dolphin player said. “It’s a really tragic day. A day I don’t forget. So it’s really important for us to be here today and try to bring some happiness and put smiles on people’s faces.”

During the visit, the Dolphins signed autographs and distributed Miami Dolphins’ T-shirts and notepads.

Patient Dwight Artis said the visit put him in the right mindset for his recovery from spinal cord surgery.

“I know I’m going to get better, but this is my motivation," Artis confided.

Photo gallery by Jonathan Martell courtesy of the city of Miami