19 years after 9/11 attacks, Tampa Bay pauses to reflect
LAKELAND, Fla. - Taps played, a wreath was laid, and words to honor the fallen were spoken. But Lakeland’s ceremony to commemorate September 11 this year stood out from many others across the country.
Many agencies held virtual events because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lakeland agencies made a conscious decision to hold a traditional one.
“In many facets of life, I think computers separate us and make us less human,” Lakeland Police Chief Ruben Garcia told FOX 13. “Today is the day to be human.”
Lakeland Fire Chief Doug Riley agrees.
“For me, it’s just a respect thing for our fallen, and I think something gets lost when you do the zoom meetings for the other virtual type meetings. We just decided we would follow the protocols and wear our masks and try to social distance and honor our brothers and sisters who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
The event was held at Veteran’s Memorial Park in front of a monument that honors those who lost their lives in the global war against terrorism.
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In St. Petersburg, two large Skytracker lights will shine into the sky form opposite ends of the parking lot at the Coliseum as a remembrance of September 11.
The lights will be in the sky until midnight and should be viewable from most of the downtown St Pete area.
This event is being put on by Startup Street and Realty One Group Sunshine, in conjunction with Remember Honor Support, a non-profit dedicated to honoring 9/11.
The event will also be live-streamed.
Across the Bay, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is paying tribute to the heroes who lost their lives and to those who saved countless others in a video message uploaded to YouTube.
The nearly 3-minute clip features Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office employees sharing their stories as first responders working in New York and Washington on 9/11. Among them is retired NYPD officer Rudy Bueno, who now works as a Hillsborough deputy. He lost four officers from his squad in the attacks.