Tag: 9/11

Diocese commemorates 25 years since 9/11 terror attacks

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Although it has been 25 years since the United States was attacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001, raw emotions still come to the surface for those who remember that dark day.

Johnny Schroeder, a retired New York firefighter who was on Engine 10, the first company to arrive at the World Trade Center after a jet airliner struck the north tower, spoke during a Sarasota Ministerial Association 9/11 commemoration at Sarasota National Cemetery.

Schroeder said he shouldn’t be alive, recounting moments of that terrible day in which he barely escaped the collapse of both towers, the horrific loss of countless friends, and how he suffers the lingering health struggles from inhaling toxic dust while working at Ground Zero. “I’m here to say thank you all for showing up and being here,” Schroeder said. “To all who survived that day, 25 years later we’re still rocking it.”

The commemoration included talks by various first responders and 9/11 survivors about the necessity to continue to mark Sept. 11, so that people can remember that day and its impact on America, to honor the fallen and to thank the first responders, and members of the military and veterans. The event was made possible in partnership with the Diocese of Venice and Sarasota County Emergency Services.

Father Jacob Gwynn, U.S. Navy Reserve, of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Naples, offered the opening invocation. Father Jiobani Batista and Deacon Humberto Alvia, of St. Jude Parish, Sarasota, offered the prayer of condolences in English and Spanish. Other priests and deacons from St. Martha and Incarnation parishes in Sarasota also participated. Students from Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Sarasota, volunteered and handed out programs and water.

The commemoration included the colors presented by a combined fire, police and sheriff’s office honor guard, a Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, patriotic music, and a flyover by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office helicopter. The remembrance concluded with a 21-gun salute by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and the playing of “Taps.”

Several Diocesan parishes celebrated commemorative Masses, including at St. Thomas More, Sarasota, St. John XXIII, Fort Myers, as well as at St. Peter the Apostles, St. Agnes, and St. John the Evangelist, each in Naples.

A Blue Mass to honor first responders took place Sept. 13, at Our Lady of Lourdes, Venice. The Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Rector of Epiphany Cathedral. Msgr. Dubois acknowledged and was in awe of the selfless acts of bravery by all first responders, from those who entered the Twin Towers on 9/11 to those who work in the local community each day.

The Mass included the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard, uniformed firefighters, Venice police officers, North Port police officers, Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies, K-9 search and rescue teams, among others. In addition, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, the Knights on Bikes and many members of the Knights Council 9924 took part in the opening procession. The service concluded with the reading of the names of several retired first responders who died in the past year.

Diocesan Catholic schools also commemorated the 9/11 attacks, where the lessons were about remembering and educating a new generation about the impacts of 9/11 on the nation and the world, particularly because none of the students were born when the attacks occurred.

Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers gathered to remember those lives, to hear the personal stories of those who experienced that day, and to pray together as one school. In addition, 2,977 American flags were placed across the front of the campus – one for each life lost on September 11, 2001. Prior to the evening home football game, there was a tribute to first responders, the military and veterans.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement, which said in part: “As conflicts intensify around the world, let us renew our commitment to be Christ’s instruments of peace in an increasingly fractured and divided world.” To read the full statement, please visit Marking September 11 Anniversary, Archbishop Coakley Offers Prayers and Encourages Continued Commitment to be Instruments of Peace | USCCB.

All other schools held prayer services to mark the day.

List of Commemorations of 9/11 25th anniversary

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Several events will be taking place throughout the Diocese of Venice to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the United States in which nearly 3,000 people lost their lives. Find a list of events below:

  • 8 a.m., St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, 9/11 Mass of Remembrance;
  • 8 a.m., St. Leo the Great Parish, 28290 Beaumont, Bonita Springs, Mass of Remembrance;
  • 8 a.m., Sept. 11, St. Thomas More Parish, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, 9/11 Tribute Mass;
  • 5 p.m. Sept. 11, “Standing for Our Fallen 9/11 Twenty Five Year; Commemoration,” Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota ;
  • 6 p.m., Sept. 11, Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria, 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony;
  • 7 p.m., Sept. 11, St. Agnes Parish, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, 25th Anniversary Mass;
  • 8:46 a.m., Sept. 12, St. John XXIII Parish, 1300 Palamino Lane, Fort Myers, Blue Mass;
  • 9 a.m., Sept. 12, St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922 SW 20th, Cape Coral, Blue Mass;
  • 5 p.m., Sept. 12, St. John the Evangelist, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, Blue Mass;
  • 12 p.m., Sept. 13, Our Lady of Lourdes, 1301 Center Road, Venice, Blue Mass.

 

Please check with your local parish to learn of additional 9/11 commemorations, and join us in praying for all those who lost their lives.

 

25th anniversary of 9/11 to be marked in Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Several events will be taking place throughout the Diocese of Venice to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the United States in which nearly 3,000 people lost their lives.

Commemorations of the 9/11 anniversary are intended to remember those lost in the terror attacks, and in a particular way the first responders who sacrificed their lives to save others, while at the same time offering a public “thank you” to those who continue to serve the community as first responders.

The Diocese will be participating in the “Standing for Our Fallen 9/11 Twenty Five Year Commemoration,” at 5 p.m. Sept. 11, 2026, in Patriot Plaza of Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota. The commemoration will open with a procession of the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, clergy and the presenters.

Most. Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Venice, will offer the invocation. From St. Jude Parish in Sarasota, Father Jiobani Batista, pastor, and Deacon Humberto Alvia will offer the Prayer of Condolences. Deacon Alvia will also present a St. Mother Theresa quotation for unity. The commemoration will include prayers, a tolling of the bell for the fallen, testimony of a 9/11 survivor, the placing of a wreath and prayers for peace and unity.  All are welcome.

Earlier that same day, St. Peter the Apostles Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, will be hosting a 9/11 Mass of Remembrance at 8 a.m. The Mass has been held annually at the parish since 2002 for the 9/11 Families Association which includes former New York City firefighters and law enforcement as well as flight attendants and families of people who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center or the attack on the Pentagon. A piece of steel, which was cut from an I-beam support column at the World Trade Center and is in the shape of a cross, was presented to St. Peter the Apostle Parish in 2010 and is usually mounted on the wall behind the parish chapel altar. For the annual Mass, the steel cross is set out as a reminder of those lost.

The Fourth Degree Assembly 3862 of the Knights of Columbus of Ave Maria Parish, Ave Maria, will be hosting a 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony following the 5 p.m. Mass on Sept. 11. The program begins at 6 p.m. and includes the singing of the National Anthem, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, 9/11 reflections, prayers for our nation and for peace, the playing of “Taps,” and the program will conclude with Eucharistic Adoration. All are welcome.

Two parishes will be hosting Blue Masses during the weekend to show gratitude and support for the men and women who serve the community. Join us as we gather and pray for all our first responders, active, retired and fallen, and their families. The Blue Mass at St. John the Evangelist, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, is 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; and the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, 1301 Center Road, Venice, is noon, Sunday, Sept. 13, and is presented by the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council 9924.

Please check with your local parish to learn of additional 9/11 commemorations.

9/11 24th anniversary commemorated, first responders honored

Posted on by Bob Reddy

To honor those who serve as first responders in the community as well as to commemorate the 24th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the U.S., several Masses, and special events took place throughout the Diocese of Venice.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the principal celebrant for a Blue Mass on Sept. 14, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice, recognizing the work of active first responders in the community while also reflecting on the sacrifice of those who served or perished in the line of duty both locally as well as on 9/11 in New York City.

Noting that it is important to come together to remember the events and sacrifice of the first responders on 9/11, Bishop Dewane said the Blue Mass also honors those active duty first responders who serve as “ambassadors of peace, bringing peace to so many people as you do your job in our community each day.”

The Mass fell on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross which the Bishop said recognizes Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross while bringing healing to the world.

“The job you do is so very important to all of because as you respond to the call to serve the common good,” Bishop Dewane said. “We ask God to bless you this day, as you go forward in your vocation, your mission – doing the good the Lord asks of you – and that you be kept safe. We ask that you receive the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, needed at times to make difficult decisions, as you strive to respond to help your brothers and sisters in need. We also pray for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Know the Lord sees what you strive to do and reaches out to protect you as well as to be with you. And know that you are in the prayers of everyone here.”

Present for the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes was the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard, uniformed firefighters, Venice police officers, North Port police officers, Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies, K-9 search and rescue teams, among others. In addition, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, the Knights on Bikes and many members of the Knights Council 9924 took part in the opening procession.

Following the closing prayer, Knight Nick Catone read the names of three local first responders (all retired) who died in the past year. As each name was read, a bell tolled to honor and mark the death.

On Sept. 11, a memorial Mass for 9/11 was celebrated at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples. A piece of the World Trade Center steel was made into a cross and is in the Parish Chapel. The Parish has hosted an annual 9/11 Mass since 2002 for all Collier County first responders.

Students at Diocesan Catholic schools also took part in Masses, various prayer services and classroom activities to commemorate this important moment in the nation’s history even though none of the students were born in 2001.

For example, at St. Ann Catholic School, students paused for a moment of silence in remembrance of September 11. Eighth grade students also visited the 9/11 Memorial on the campus to honor the lives lost and the heroes who served with courage.

These activities help all remember the bravery and courage, the sacrifice and loss, and the unity that followed September 11, 2001, and to ensure that the students and the faithful never forget the impact that day continues to have and will forever have on this nation.

First responders honored, 9/11 Anniversary commemorated

Posted on by Bob Reddy

To honor those who serve as first responders in the community as well as to commemorate the 23rd Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the U.S., several Masses, and special events took place throughout the Diocese of Venice.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the principal celebrant for a Blue Mass on Sept. 15, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice, recognizing the work of active first responders in the community while also reflecting on the sacrifice of those who served or perished in the line of duty both locally as well as on 9/11 in New York City.

“We honor them all for what they do; their dedication and their devotion to lives of others,” Bishop Dewane said of all current and past first responders. “We say ‘Thank you!’ We congratulate you all for the fine job that you do in our society, and for the safety and security you give us. We join in praying with you and for you that the Lord continues to bless you that are here and your colleagues who are not here who set about to do service. It is through the actions of all first responders, every single day, that they reach out and clearly evidence to will the good of the other, and in doing so they become ministers of love – living out that Commandment – ‘love one another as I have loved you.’ In that act of willing the good for the other, know that Christ sees the good that you do in loving your neighbor.”

In remembering the sacrifice of the hundreds of first responders who died on 9/11, doing their duty and willing the good of others, Bishop Dewane said, “For those who were lost during 9/11, we pray for them, and for the whole other cadre of firefighters and police officers who survived but were injured or have suffered health problems because of their bravery and are becoming fewer and fewer. Your goodness is respected. Know and remember that true love is Christ’s love, and it never fails!”

Present for the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes was the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard, uniformed firefighters, Venice police officers, Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies and more. In addition, the Knights of Columbus Color Corps, the Knights on Bikes and many members of the Knights took part in the opening procession. Following the closing prayer, the names of five first responders were read and then the fire bell was rung to note the death of a member. The bell was rung in a series of five rings, repeated four times.

On Sept. 11, a memorial Mass for 9/11 was celebrated at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples. The Parish has hosted on annual 9/11 Mass since 2002 as a piece of the World Trade Center steel was made into a cross and is in the Parish Chapel. In addition, the Parish is also home to Father Gerard Critch, Pastor at St. Peter the Apostle, who ministered as a chaplain for first responders in New York in the weeks following the terror attacks.

Students at Diocesan Catholic schools also took part in Masses, or various prayer services and classroom activities to commemorate this important moment in the nation’s history.

For example, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School held a prayer service in their school courtyard, inviting local first responders to participate and be recognized.

Several students at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Fort Myers participated in the Sept. 7 Tunnels to Towers 5K at Florida Southwest College. The race honors a group of firefighters who ran through a tunnel to reach the World Trade Center Twin Towers on 9/11 before dying during the rescue and subsequent collapse of the buildings.

In a similar annual event, 16 St. John Neumann Catholic High School students participated in the 17th Annual “Take a Soldier Fishing Tournament” in Naple on Sept. 14, 2024. This event supports veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan in the fight against terror.

In a special classroom project at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers, students first researched 9/11 memorial websites to learn about and to connect with the story of one survivor, bringing a personal understanding to the tragedy. Following this reflective online journey, the students participated in a visual tribute, placing 2977 toothpick flags into Styrofoam spheres – one for each life lost on that fateful day. This act of remembrance served not only as a history lesson but as a profound connection to the human stories of 9/11.

These activities took place to help all remember the bravery and courage, the sacrifice and loss, and the unity that followed September 11, 2001, and to ensure that the students and the faithful never forget the impact that day continues to have and will forever have on this nation.

Schools commemorate 9/11 Anniversary

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Diocese of Venice Catholics schools commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the U.S. in a variety of ways, ensuring that while time has passed since the tragic events took place and nearly 3,000 were lost in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, their memory lives on.

At St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte the school held a prayer service in the courtyard on Sept. 8, 2023. The guest of honor was retired New York City Fire Department Lt. Scott Hawkins, who shared his memories of that tragic day when 343 of his fellow firefighters were killed when the World Trade Center collapsed as they tried to evacuate the building and rescue those who were hurt and trapped inside.

The ceremony included a prayer service with readings, music, petitions for peace and prayers for all who were lost on that tragic day. While none of the students were alive at the time of the attacks, they were told that it is important to remember that day and to pray that all of us remain safe from terror. Also present for the ceremony were parents, and first responders including representatives of the Charlotte County Fire Department, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, and Drug Enforcement Agency.

Students and families from St. Francis Xavier Catholic School took part in the annual Tunnels to Towers 5k on Sept. 9, 2023, in support of first responders and the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. The run took place from College Parkway, and along McGregor Boulevard in south Fort Myers. During the race, St. Francis Xavier student Eli Benvi placed first in his age group and Coach Janelle Massing also placed first in her age group.

The Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk Series was created to honor the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001, after strapping on his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers.


Also on Sept. 9, 12 students from St. John Neumann Catholic High School in Naples donated their time to the “Take a Soldier Fishing” event. It was held at the Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club in East Naples. This three-day event has been in existence since 2011 and focuses on providing a free weekend of fun and fishing for active-duty military, retired and wounded veterans.

Diocese of Venice Catholic schools made a strong effort to honor all of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and support first responders and military who make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty, as we all should.

9/11 commemorations from around the Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

In ways large and small the faithful of the Diocese of Venice commemorated the 21st Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States with reflection and prayer.

St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples hosted its annual 9/11 Memorial Mass on Sept. 11, 2022. The Parish is home to a 9/11 Cross made from the steel of the World Trade Center and has hosted a commemorative Mass each year since 2001. Father Gerard Critch, Pastor of St. Peter’s, served as a Chaplain at Ground Zero during the initial search and recovery process following the terror attacks in New York City.

Father Francis Critch, Order of Franciscan Minor, celebrated Mass in lieu of his brother, Father Gerard, who is recovering from an illness. During the Mass, Father Francis Critch, who previously served in New York City, reflected on the courage and sacrifice of the First Responders, noting the first official death was fellow Franciscan Friar, Father Mychal Judge, Chaplain of the New York Fire Department.

Father Critch reflected upon those First Responders who sacrificed everything to save others in the face of evil.

“Be kind to each other, show love and be heralds of hope,” Father said. “This is what we are and continue to be. Their presence brought hope and guidance to the many who were saved that day. Many more would have died if not for their strength and courage… Fear was overcome, they were a light in darkness, for they understood their purpose and their vocation – dedication without thought. We are eternally grateful.”

Prior to the Mass, bagpipers led a procession of retired members of the FDNY and New York Police Department. At the close of the Mass, a fire bell was rung with the code- 5-5-5-5, which announces the death of a fire service member. In the Parish narthex were images of the fallen Fire Responders and a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.

The Knights of Columbus Saints Cosmas and Damian Council 13341 sponsored a First Responders Mass on Sept. 10, at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Lakewood Ranch. Parochial Vicar Father Shawn Roser celebrated the Mass, and reflected on the continued importance of First Responders and those who answered the call to serve in the military following 9/11. A Blue Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice on Sept. 11. Both Masses honored the work of First Responders, including law enforcement officials, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel.

A special prayer service took place in the Memorial Garden of St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers on Sept. 11. This service included the dedication of a new 9/11 memorial sculpture which includes pieces of the World Trade Center. The sculpture was installed in March 2022.

Recognizing the need to keep the memory of the tragic events of 9/11 alive for the next generation, Diocesan Catholic schools hosted a variety of activities, such as prayer services, dressing in patriotic colors and understanding an event that happened before they were born.

Continuing a standing tradition, students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers participated in a Red, White and Blue Dress Out fundraiser on Sept. 9, with proceeds going to the “Tunnel to Towers Foundation.” The Foundation was created in honor of Fire Department of New York (FDNY) member Stephen Gerard Siller, who was headed home following his shift on Sept. 11, 2001, when he heard the call. Though blocked by traffic, he then proceeded to run in full gear across the Brooklyn Bridge to the Twin Towers where he later perished.

At St. Mary Academy in Sarasota, the students commemorated the day by reading and discussing the book “The Man Who Walked Between the Towers” by Mordicai Gerstein. The students learned about the significance of what happened in 2001 and gained an understanding about the importance of forever honoring those lost on 9/11.

Bishop participates in September 11 Commemoration

Posted on by Bob Reddy

With overhead storm clouds matching heavy hearts on the evening of September 11, 2021, Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, joined more than a thousand for the 20th Commemoration Ceremony of the 9/11 attacks, held at the Sarasota National Cemetery. The event was organized by the Sarasota Ministerial Association.

Bishop Dewane, joined by several Diocesan priests and deacons at the ceremony, offered the Invocation, asking Our Lord God of Peace to bring that same peace to a world that is often violent.

“We pray for your peace as we remember the terrorist attacks of 9/11,” said Bishop Dewane. “May our suffering awaken in us the awareness, pain and fear that so many live with each day.”

The Bishop also asked Our Lord to show us how to pray for those who struggle against oppression and injustice, and he asked for God to give world leaders wisdom and discernment.

Dozens of community leaders from a wide variety of police and fire departments also addressed the crowd with words of inspiration and hope, as they encouraged all to never forget the nearly 3000 lives lost on that tragic day, including 343 FDNY firefighters who fought valiantly to reach those trapped in the twin towers.

Attendees were given a carnation to place on a canvas, which when filled produced the American Flag.  Commemorative coins were given to survivors of the attacks and to those who served our Country in the military.

One former U.S. Marine, who also received a commemorative coin for his military service, said the 9/11 gathering was the right thing for all to attend as to never forget the pain of that day.

9/11 Commemorations from around the Diocese

Posted on by Bob Reddy

In ways large and small the faithful of the Diocese of Venice commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States with reflection and prayer.

Students in Diocesan Catholic Schools took part in prayer services, dressed in patriotic colors and learned about an event that happened before they were born. The students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers participated in a Red, White and Blue Dress Out fundraiser on Sept. 8, 2021 with proceeds going to the “Tunnel to Towers Foundation” (https://t2t.org/).  The Foundation was created in honor of Fire Department of New York member Stephen Gerard Siller, who was headed home following his shift on Sept. 11, 2001, when he heard the call.  Though blocked by traffic, he then proceeded to run in full gear across the Brooklyn Bridge to the Twin Towers where he later perished.

On Sept. 9, during their lunch periods, the Verot students were given the opportunity to share in discussion with some of the staff members about the events of 9/11 and their lasting impact.

Meanwhile, St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy held a prayer service on Sept. 10 with students encouraged to wear red, white and blue. The service was to further promote peace and tolerance.  The funds raised will be used to purchase a Peace Pole and benches.

Diocesan Parishes also hosted a variety of prayer services and commemorations.

St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Naples hosted its annual 9/11 Memorial Mass on Sept. 11.  The Parish is home to a 9/11 Cross made from the steel of the World Trade Center and has hosted a commemorative Mass each year since 2001. Father Gerard Critch, Pastor of St. Peter’s, served as a Chaplain at Ground Zero during the initial search and recovery process following the terror attacks in New York City.

Our Lady of the Angels Parish and the Knights of Columbus of the Saints Cosmas and Damian Council 13341, hosted a Blue Mass on Sept. 11 in honor of the work of public safety personnel including law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical services personal.

Leading up to the 20th Anniversary, St. Agnes Parish in Naples hosted a Peace Novena from Sept. 3 to Sept. 11. The novena served a dual purpose of commemorating the terror attacks and marking the end of the war in Afghanistan with its recent tragic consequences. The final prayer service on Sept. 11 included special decorations, a candle lighting ceremony, scripture readings, a brief homily, intercessions, the completion of the Novena, and music, prior to Mass. The faithful were able to follow the entire novena through the Parish website.

These are just some of the examples of how the faithful of the Diocese marked this anniversary all unified in prayer that no one will ever forget the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.

Bishop to deliver invocation at Sarasota 9/11 commemoration

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Bishop Frank J. Dewane will deliver the invocation for the 20-Year Commemoration of 9/11 being held in Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery.

The Commemoration, organized by the Sarasota Ministerial Association, will begin at 6 p.m., Sept. 11, 2021, the anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks on the United States. The memory of those who died will be honored. All first responders, active military, POW/MIA and veterans will also be recognized. There will be a call for all Americans to the “Unity of One Nation Under God.”

In the days leading up to the Commemoration, those interested can choose to represent a person who was killed on September 11 by standing at the appropriate time during the ceremony. Names of the deceased can be selected at https://bit.ly/911FREETickets. During the Commemoration all will be invited to stand and state the name of the Fallen during the Sarasota Fire Department’s “Tolling of the Bell.” Later in the service, participants will again be invited to stand for their Fallen while the bagpipers play Amazing Grace.

For the first 500 attendees arriving to the Commemoration, flowers will be presented and placed in a mesh that will eventually become Old Glory, the American flag, located in front of the stage. Those arriving before 5:55 p.m., may place memorabilia of their chosen Fallen on the Gallery surrounding the American” flag of flowers.”

Several priests from across the Diocese will also be present for the Commemoration and process in with other clergy and distinguished presenters during the opening. In addition to guest speakers, a 70-member community chorus will perform. Special commemorative coins have been minted to mark the occasion and will be presented to 9 /11 Survivors, First Responders, military veterans, active-duty military, and Sarasota Elk Lodge member in attendance.

The Commemoration continues the tradition that began, September 11, 2001 when the Sarasota Ministerial Association held a prayer vigil. During the morning attacks, then-Mayor Carolyn Mason called the Ministerial Association co-founder Chaplain Tom Pfaff to summon a prayer gathering for America. By 4:30 p.m. more than 20 clergy came to the Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park Sarasota War Memorial on the Bayfront to worship God and pray. Every five years since then, the Ministerial Association has become a lead organizer for the Commemoration.

Everyone is welcome to this free 9/11 Commemoration at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72 (Clark Road), Sarasota. The rain date will be 6 p.m., Sept. 12.

For those unable to attend the Sarasota 9/11 Commemoration, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, will once again be having its annual 9/11 Memorial Mass at 3:30 p.m., Sept. 11.  The Parish is home to a 9/11 Cross made from the steel of the World Trade Center and has hosted a commemorative Mass each year since 2001. For more information, please contact St. Peter the Apostle Parish at 239-774-3337 ext. 201.

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