Sept. 11, 2001, a day of inconceivable tragedy, will always be a date seared into the memories of Americans. With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks approaching, join us as we remember those who lost their lives and honor those who serve and protect us every day.
Tampa/Hillsborough
9/11 Patriot Day Freedom Rally Observance
Sun., Sept. 11, 8 a.m.–8:45 a.m.
American Victory Ship
Everyone is invited to the 9/11 observance that will take place on the American Victory Ship. The event will feature a fire truck carrying a 9/11 flag that was flown over Ground Zero in 2010. After ship Chaplain Gary Brooks leads guests in prayer, a memorial wreath will be laid to rest as the MacDill Air Force Base Rifle Team fires 10 rounds in observance of the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. Special guest speakers will include representatives from the Tampa Firefighters, Tampa Police Department, MacDill Air Force Base and the American Victory Ship. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast. americanvictory.org
9/11 Mega Poker-Run
Sun., Sept. 11, 10 a.m.
9839 Adamo Drive, Tampa
All bikers and biker enthusiasts are welcome to join the Harley-Davidson of Tampa-Brandon-New Port Richey 9/11 Mega Poker Run charity event to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation. Stops include Tampa Bay Downs, Harley-Davidson of Tampa, and Channelside Bay Plaza. Afterwards, Harley-Davidson of Brandon's Poker Run will host an after-party with WQYK 99.5's Dave McKay, Q-105's Mason Dixon and Radical Randy. Enjoy live music, food, prizes and more. Registration is $10 and you can register online (www.TampaHarley.com) or on the day of the run. A remembrance ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m.
Tampa Firefighters Museum 9/11 Memorial Event
Sun., Sept. 11, 9:50 a.m.
720 Zack St., event between Jefferson and Pierce
The Tampa Firefighters Museum will hold a ceremony to honor those who have lost their lives and rededicate the historic Tampa Fire Station 1 as it reaches its centennial year. Special guests include city officials and Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The museum is also expected to unveil plans for a 2012 memorial honoring the first responders to the attacks. Seating opens at 9:30 a.m. Special VIP seating is available by request for those directly affected by the events on 9/11. tfmmemorialevent.com
Family and Friends Day
Sun., Sept. 11, 1 p.m.
Raymond James Stadium
While the Bucs take on the Detroit Lions, the Buccaneers have partnered with the NAACP to organize a military supply drive for the group Support Our Troops. Fans are advised to bring nonperishable food, slightly used CDs and DVDs, and hygiene supplies. You must call NAACP branches in St. Petersburg, 727-898-3310, Hillsborough, 813-234-8683 and Lakeland 863-682-8879 to get special events tickets and T-shirts. Price $35.
Freedom Walk 2011
Fred Ball Park Sat., Sept. 10, 8 a.m. 2621 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa
The annual Freedom Walk pays tribute to the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with a walk to honor families of those affected and raise awareness and funds for Operation Homefront-Florida. Price 5$. operationhomefront.net/florida.
In Memoriam 9/11
Sun., September 11, 2 p.m.
University of Tampa
Haig Mardirosian, UT Organist and Dean of College, will perform an organ concert: “In Memoriam 9/11.” The concert will include “Aeolian Sonata,” a 9/11 commemorative work by composer Dan Locklair. The event will be held at the campus’ Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values.
The Guys at Jobsite Theater
Thu.–Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m., Sept. 8-25
Shimberg Playhouse
Based on a poignant true story, the play was written by Anne Nelson just nine days after the terrorist attacks and shares the story of FDNY fire captain who lost most of his men in the 9/11 and enlists an editor to help him write the eulogies. Through this process, both realize the how the bonds of friendship and brotherhood can transcend the test of time. Directed by Shawn Paonessa and starring Roz and Paul Potenza, this commemoration will kick off the theatre’s 2011-2012 season and pay tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives on 9/11. Price is $24.50. jobsitetheater.org
Voices United for Peace
Sat., Sept. 10, 4 p.m.
Islamic Community of Tampa
This interfaith event will focus on the future while remembering the past. Food will be served and activities include a Ribbons for Peace project for children.
9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Sun., Sept. 9, noon
Joe Chillura Courthouse Square
Kennedy Blvd. and Morgan St., Tampa
If you can’t make any of the events on the 11th, this remembrance ceremony welcomes citizens, first responders and members of the armed forces to lay wreaths on a 14-foot-long steel beam pulled from the rubble of the World Trade Center.
9/11 Memorial Rugby Benefit
Sun., September 11, 3 p.m.
USF Athletics
4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
Come watch the USF Bulls take on the USF Rugby Alumni Matadors to raise money through donations to purchase a paver in the Twin Towers Memorial Plaza. Price is free but donations are appreciated.
Brandon
Remembrance Ride and Patriot Day Celebration
Sun., Sept. 10, noon
International Independent Showmen's Association Clubhouse Come and give thanks to our Bay area’s veterans as the AMVETS Post 44 hosts their fourth annual 9/11 Rememberance Ride and Patriot Day Celebration. This family-friendly event will include a kid’s fun zone, merchandise vendors, and interactive events from local EMS, police, fire and military departments. Price is $15 per person; first responders, military and children are free.
St. Petersburg
Rays Salute 9/11 Anniversary
Tropicana Field
Sun., Sept. 11, 1 p.m.
The Tampa Bay Rays has partnered with St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue and the St. Petersburg Police Department to remember the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The first 10,000 kids will get free fire helmets and the first 30,000 fans will get mini-flags. Fans will enter the dome under a giant American flag suspended between two extension ladder fire trucks and will be able to see a beam from the World Trade Center on display. Before the Rays play the Red Sox, fans will observe a moment of silence and have the opportunity to ride around the field on a St. Pete Fire Department heavy truck. Children can run the bases after the game.raysbaseball.com
Where Were You When It Happened?
Sun. Sept. 11
Morean Art Center Galleries
Local artist Jeff Wilcox gives visitors the opportunity to express themselves through the written word and remember where they were on this unforgettable day. All are invited; admission is free.
Patriot Day Prayer Breakfast
Sun., Sept. 11, 8:15 a.m.
St. Petersburg Yacht Club
Start your day early with the St. Petersburg Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which will hold its annual breakfast honoring the men and women who serve in our military. Guests will also observe a moment of silence and a bell ringing to honor those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The breakfast will include keynote speaker U.S. Army Major Gen. Michael D. Jones, the recent Chief of Staff of Central Command at MacDill, an invocation by Mayor Bill Foster, a moment of prayer lead by Rev. Thomas Dieter and a special guest appearance by Cpl. Michael Jernigan, who was blinded in both eyes by a roadside bomb in Iraq, with his guide dog Brittani. Registration is at 7:45 a.m. Proceeds benefit Paws for Patriots. Call 727-420-0366 for more information.
9/11 Rememberance Reflection
Florida Blood Services
10100 Dr. M.L. King Jr. St. N
St. Petersburg
Sat., Sept. 10, noon
In honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, guests can take a tour of donor testing laboratories and donor rooms and recognize the importance of giving blood to those who need it tomorrow.
9/11 Tribute Concert
Sun., Sept. 11, 5 p.m.
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
The St. Petersburg Festival Orchestra and Chorus present Requiem by Gabriel Faure to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
North Pinellas
A Day to Remember
Sun., September 11, 9 a.m.
Bright House Field
Organized by the Calvary Baptist Church, this ceremony will honor all emergency responders and service personnel from the U.S. military. The event will be hosted by Tom Curran, Fox 13’s Good Day Tampa Bay co-anchor. Proceeds from donations benefit veterans and Pinellas County’s police, fire and medic charity organizations. Donations are appreciated. Call 727-441-1581 for more information.
9/11 Recognition of First Responders
Sun., Sept. 11, 11 a.m.
St. Petersburg Clearwater Campus
With Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard and U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis in attendance, the Tampa Bay Veterans Alliance hosts this 9/11 recognition event with a Fire/Police Honor Guard tribute, the unveiling of a Twin Tower relic and more.
Central Pinellas
9/11 Service
Sun., Sept. 11, 9 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks
With music by the Sounds of Praise Choir, orchestra and soloists, this church service will remember 9/11 and the first responders. Call 727-595-3421 for more information.
Seminole
9/11 Patriot Day Vigil
Sun., Sept. 11, 7 p.m.
City of Seminole, Fire Station No. 29
This candlelight vigil will offer tours of the firehouse, a fire bell ceremony, an honor guard presentation and the chance to meet the firefighters who serve the area. Personalized pavers will be sold to benefit the upkeep of the 9/11 memorial. Admission is free.
New Port Richey/Port Richey
9/11 Memorial Run
Sun., Sept. 11, 7:30 a.m.
Gulf Harbors Club House
Start your day early with a 5K run/walk that will benefit Homes for our Troops and the Austin Burchard home. Price is $20 advance, $25 race day. 911-5k.com/Home.html
9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Sun., Sept. 11, 6 p.m.
Port Richey City Hall
The City of Port Richey invites all to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 with a a dove release, an ROTC Honor Guard performance, entertainment, snacks and refreshments. Admission is free.
This article appears in Sep 1-7, 2011.