The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus will host a solemn ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 11, to mark the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The event will honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost and recognize the bravery of first responders and military personnel who served during and after the tragedy.
The remembrance will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a flag-raising and the playing of taps at the campus entrance, followed by a formal program at 8:30 a.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
“This ceremony is a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged from one of our nation’s darkest days,” said Brett E. Kemker, interim regional chancellor of USF Sarasota-Manatee. “We gather not only to honor the lives lost, but to recognize the courage of those who responded and the strength of those who continue to serve.”
Carlos Moreira, director of campus engagement for veteran success and alumni affairs, emphasized the importance of continuing to honor the sacrifices made on Sept. 11, 2001.
“We will never forget the sacrifices made on Sept. 11, 2001, by those who bravely did their duty to try to rescue as many people as they could,” Moreira said. “We also want to honor those who continue to serve to protect us.”
The ceremony will feature remarks from USF Sarasota-Manatee Interim Regional Chancellor
Brett E. Kemker and representatives from local veterans and public safety organizations.
In advance of the ceremony, volunteers will gather on Saturday, Sept. 6, to plant 2,997 American flags in the campus courtyard—each representing a life lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Flag placement begins at 9 a.m., and community members are encouraged to participate.
Both events will take place at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, located at 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
For questions or to get involved, contact Carlos Moreira at sm-veteranssuccess@usf.edu or call 941-359-4291. Additional details are available on the USF Sarasota-Manatee website.