9/11 Memorials Honor Victims, 20th Anniversary In Manatee County

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. More than 3,000 people died on 9/11 and memorial services organized throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties honor the victims of these terrorist attacks.

Sarasota National Cemetery

A 20th anniversary commemoration will take place Saturday, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72 in Sarasota. The commemoration continues the tradition that began Sept. 11, 2001, when the Sarasota Ministerial Association first held a prayer vigil at J.D. Hamel Park.

The names of each person who died during the 9/11 attacks will be read during the ceremony. Those attending Saturday have the option of standing for specific individuals who died during the Sarasota Fire Department’s Tolling of the Bell and when the bagpipers play “Amazing Grace.”

Congressman Greg Steube, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Venice Diocese, Bishop Dabney Tylor Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, NAACP President Trevor Harvey, Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, and local police and fire chiefs, mayors, and commissioners will participate in the event.

A 70-plus community chorus will also perform during the commemoration.

Special commemorative coins have been minted to mark the occasion, and will be presented to Sarasota’s first responders, veterans, active-duty military, Sarasota Elks Lodge members and 9/11 survivors in attendance. A procession of all clergy and distinguished presenters will begin the service.

The first 500 attendees arriving at the commemoration will be given red and white and blue flowers to be placed in a mesh that will eventually become the American flag located in front of the stage.

Learn more about the commemoration or volunteer for the event here.

University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

USF Sarasota-Manatee will mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11 Friday at 8:15 a.m. with a flag-raising event before shifting to the campus courtyard for guest speakers, patriotic music, and the participation of local first responders and representatives of the Armed Forces. Light refreshments will be served afterward in the Selby auditorium.

Among the speakers will be USF Sarasota-Manatee campus Regional Chancellor Karen A. Holbrook and retired New York City firefighter Garrett C. Lindgren.

A member of Rescue Company 3, Lindgren was among the first responders at the World Trade Center immediately following the collapse of the north tower. He was later among the rescuers at ground zero from Sept. 11 to Dec. 15, 200 and suffered career-ending injuries while searching through rubble.

Operation Warrior Resolution’s Vigil of Honor

A candlelit vigil will honor the recently fallen Afghanistan service members and the 20th anniversary at 9/11 Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at the Robinson Preserve’s the Nest, 840 99th Street NW in Bradenton. A limited number of candles will be available to share.

Representatives from Manatee County Veterans Services will be on hand to help connect veterans to community resources.

This event is a collaboration between Operation Warrior Resolution and Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. Email info@operationwarriorresolution.org for information.

Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association’s Tribute to Heroes

This event takes place Saturday, 9 to 10 a.m., at the Emergency Services Memorial Site at Rossi Park, 400 3rd Ave. W. in Bradenton. Local first responders and officials will remember those who died on 9/11.