NYC to commemorate 18th anniversary of the September 11 attacks; Events in SWFL

It’s been 18 years since the September 11 attacks left nearly 3,000 people dead in the worst act of terrorism the nation has ever experienced. On Wednesday, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum will commemorate the lives lost with a ceremony honoring those killed at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and aboard Flight 93 — as well as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

CBSN New York will live stream the ceremony starting at around 8:25 a.m. ET from the 9/11 Memorial plaza in lower Manhattan. You will be able to watch the event below or in the WINK News app.

How to watch the 9/11 Memorial and Museum ceremony

Time: 8:25 a.m. to noon ET
Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Where: 9/11 Museum and Memorial, New York City
Live stream: Right here on winknews.com

As has happened in years past, the names of those killed will be read during Wednesday’s ceremony. Last year, some families of victims infused their own, personal messages of remembrance, inspiration and concern.

During the ceremony at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, the site will only be accessible to relatives of those killed in the September 11th attacks. That evening, a public ceremony featuring the public art piece Tribute in Light will open to the public as the sun sets. The Memorial plaza will also be open to the public from 3 p.m. to midnight.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is encouraging those commemorating the anniversary to use the hashtag #Honor911 on social media. The center is also providing resources for anyone interested in planning their own commemoration ceremony.

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EVENTS IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

NORTH PORT

The City of North Port for a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the events surrounding the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. The ceremony will honor all patriots including all Military, Fire, Police and EMS. The ceremony will take place Wednesday, September 11th at the circle on City Center Blvd. East of Fire Station 81 from 6 – 8:30pm. The event this year is being put on by North Port Fire Rescue.

BONITA SPRINGS

The Bonita Springs Patriot Day Service is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. The service will be held at the Bonita Springs Fire Station Number 21, in front of the September 11th mural, located at 27490 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL. During the service, hosts and attendees will pay tribute to the valiant firefighters, police officers, emergency personnel and citizens who were involved in the September 11, 2001 attacks. The Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Veterans Advisory Committee and the City of Bonita Springs will unite to host the event.

This Patriot Day service will include a very special guest speaker, David Grossi, Sr. Dave is a retired Police Lieutenant from upstate New York having served in every aspect of law enforcement; patrol, undercover narcotics, criminal inSeptembervestigations and training units. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Police Administration from the State University of New York and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He is a combat veteran of Vietnam where he served with the U.S. Air Force Rangers before becoming a police officer.

His police commendations include Police Officer of the Year, District Attorneys Awards for Homicide and Organized Crime Investigations, a Heroism Citation from the Rochester, NY Chamber of Commerce, and the Special Award of Honor from the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association for his work in undercover narcotics. His military awards included the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the New York State Medal for Merit, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

For more information about the Patriots Day Service, call the City of Bonita Springs at 239-949-6262.

Naples

Royal Palm Academy 9/11 Service

• The faculty, staff, students, and parents of Royal Palm Academy will hold a special presentation at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11th, to remember the first responders and all those who died on 9/11/2001, to thank the men and women who protect us now, and to learn more about the Wounded Warriors of Collier County. Everyone will gather in The Carol & Patrick Moore Athletic Center with representatives from the North Naples Fire Control & Rescue District, Collier County EMS, Collier County Sheriff’s department, K9 Unit, and other uniformed personnel. The assembly will begin with the entrance of the Knights of Columbus Color Guard and RPA Cub/Boy Scouts who will honor our American flag. Mr. Scott Baier, Head of School, will address the audience followed by words from Dale Mullin, US Army Vietnam Veteran (1967-1968) and Board President of the Wounded Warriors of Collier County.
• Freedom Memorial Foundation of Naples Candlelight Vigil

Fort Myers

Mission BBQ- Free sandwiches for all Fire, Police, and First Responders. Live singing of Our National Anthem at 12 p.m.

Port Charlotte

Culvers Restaurant – Culvers is hosting a free breakfast to show appreciation of first responders. They are welcoming all police, fire, and ems responders to join them at both Port Charlotte Culver’s Restaurants next Wednesday morning, on September 11th.

Victim Compensation Fund

In July, congress extended the victim’s compensation fund that covers medical expenses for survivors and some family.

A New York attorney who represents more than 15K first responders and survivors says you don’t have to be a first responder to qualify for the financial help.

But you do need to have two witnesses that can attest to you being in Lower Manhattan on 9/11 or the days after.

You can see if you or someone you know qualifies here.