Sept. 11 Memorial to be Held in Sims Park Tonight

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, were a tragedy that continues to be remembered across the U.S. and overseas.

West Pasco residents looking for events that honor those who lost their lives in the attacks don’t need to look far.

A memorial service is going to be held at 7 p.m. tonight in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey to remember the fallen.

Local clergy will lead the gathered in a prayer. The Richey Concert Band will play patrotic music, and local student choral groups will sing.

Eric Allen, chief of the inspections division for the U.S. Coast Guard St. Petersburg Sector, will be giving the keynote speech. 

He served in New York during the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The event is organized by a committee of local businesses, government agencies and citizens that is chaired by Pasco school district Superintendent Heather Fiorentino.

"We invite our community to join this memorial as we unite as a community to remember the loss our nation suffered and to honor the brave heroes in our military who are fighting to protect our freedom,” Fiorentino said in a press release.

Attendees will also be able to give back to the servicemen and women who are continuing to fight overseas.

Operation Shoebox is a nonprofit that sends support, personal care items and  snacks to troops overseas. They will be collecting donations. Sand Soldiers of America will also attend the event.