9/11 Patriots Day Services In Sarasota, Bradenton Area

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Sometimes called Patriots Day, Sept. 11 has become a national day of remembrance honoring the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In the Sarasota and Bradenton area, remembrance services and community events will take place throughout the region.

Americans felt a collective trauma as first one and then another plane flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001. As the truth dawned on people watching from their TVs that America was under attack, another plane took aim at the Pentagon. A fourth was brought down in a field in Pennsylvania in a final act of heroism by passengers who realized their flight had been hijacked.

At least 2,973 people lost their lives in the attacks. The somber anniversary is marked across the country with memorial services, moments of silence and community events.

Local events include:

USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus 9/11

When: Wednesday, 8:15 a.m.

Where: USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail. (Flag raising at campus entrance, remembrance program in courtyard.)

Retired New York Fire Dept. Battalion Chief John “Jack” McDonnell is the featured speaker at this event, which also features Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota County Fire Department, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, campus police, United States Marine Corps 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, United States Army Sarasota Recruiting Company, Braden River Brass Quartet, bagpiper and USF alum Ross Allen, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School and Booker Middle School.

SCF’s 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

When: Wednesday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Where: State College of Florida campuses at 5840 26th Street W., Bradenton, and 8000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice

The events will also broadcast live at Facebook.com/StateCollegeofFlorida.

Sarasota County Fire Department 9/11 Commemoration

When: Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.

Where: Station 23, 1930 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis

The event will feature the department’s Honor Guard, comments from Sarasota County Emergency Services Director Rich Collins and Peter J. Abbott. A framed memorial canvas will be presented by Norman Schimmel.

Venice 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Where: Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice

When: Wednesday, 10 a.m. at 10 a.m.

The event will include first responders with emergency vehicles, speeches and tributes, Venice Police and Fire Rescue presenting the colors, a proclamation presented by Mayor Nick Pachota, Venice Fire Rescue bell ringing for those lost, and music. All are invited; bring chairs and water.

18th Annual Manasota 9/11 Remembrance Ride

When: Wednesday, 4 p.m.

Where: Leaves from Adrenaline Harley-Davidson, 330 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota and ends at Hot Sands Tiki Bar at the Sahib Shrine Event Center.

After the free memorial ride, there will be a wreath dedication ceremony and live music.

On the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, Florida remembers and mourns:

• Johnnie Doctor Jr., Jacksonville, Pentagon
• Tim Grazioso, Gulf Stream, World Trade Center
• CeeCee Lyles, Fort Myers, Flight 93
• Stephen Philip Morris, Ormond Beach, World Trade Center