Beach officials to attend 9-11 ceremonies
Public officials from Fort Myers Beach will be attending events that will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks this weekend.
On Sunday, Sept. 11, after two of the scheduled events in Fort Myers, a procession of fire and police vehicles will be led onto Estero Island via Matanzas Bridge and proceed south to FMB Fire Station #33 at 121 Lenell Rd. for a short ceremony in remembrance of the victims and heroes of that infamous day back in Sept. 11, 2001. That particular event is scheduled for 1 p.m., and FMB Fire Control District officials are extending an invitation to residents and visitors.
“That day, ten years ago, changed everybody’s world,” said FMB Chief Mike Becker. “This is one of those days that tragedy brought us together and will bring us together again. I will be honored to stand among everybody.”
Becker will be busy as he helps in the transportation and loaning out of the recently acquired Word Trade Center artifacts -two 30 inch- by 16-inch by 16-inch I-beams brought back by FMB Fire Medical Officer Lt. Randy Kraus, Assistant Fire Chief Darren White and Lt. Ronald Martin on a recent trip to New York City- to two different locations in Lee County.
Becker will begin his travels on Saturday to the Tice Fire Department for an informal get-together, then continue on to the City of Fort Myers Fire Department and the City of Cape Coral Fire Department to drop off the artifacts for the next day’s events.
Cape Harbour, 5848 Cape Harbour Dr., is hosting “A Day in Remembrance” at Rumrunners on Sunday, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Also that morning, Fort Myers will hold a “Local Heroes Parade” featuring police, fire, and emergency workers, military heroes, veterans, ROTC, Scouts and more. The mile-long parade will begin at Fort Myers Page Field Commons at 8 a.m. and will be followed by a remembrance ceremony of the 9-11 victims at 10 a.m. at Fort Myers Harley Davidson, 2160 Colonial Blvd.
Becker and other Beach Fire officials will be attending both events. The WTC artifacts will be on display at each location.
Kraus, a New York City native who was a paramedic and first responder in New York City at the time of the infamous 9/11 attacks, has stated he will be a guest speaker at the Cape Harbour ceremony on Sunday.
“We offered them to have one piece of steel for their whole day,” he said recently. “These are significant pieces of American history that show the cost of freedom in the United States.”
FMB Town Manager Terry Stewart will be exercising his vocal chords at the Cape Harbour event and yet another 9-11 celebration, called “Remember 9-11 Tenth Year” at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd. from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11.
Stewart will be singing “The National Anthem” at both events. Since he is a retired firefighter from Pembroke Pines (Fla.) Fire Department, he said the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorists attacks have a double meaning to him.
“It has the same meaning as it has for all the rest of us dealing with the attack on our country and what that does to be attacked on our own soil. We need to make sure that doesn’t happen again,” he said. “Also, being a retired firefighter, I know there were 343 of us lost that day. It was a tremendously sad day for fire service. It’s important to remember those who sacrificed their lives that day.”
Many of the Beach officials will leave the Sunday morning ceremonies to participate in the service vehicle procession from Colonial to Summerlin Road to San Carlos Boulevard to Estero Island. Becker said department participation is expected from not only the Beach, but from Bonita Springs, South Trail, Iona, San Carlos, Estero, Fort Myers and possibly North Fort Myers and Bayshore.
“There could be quite a few trucks as well as Lee County EMS and Lee County Public Safety in this procession,” said Becker. “At Station #33, there will be a brief ceremony with the Color Guard presenting the flag colors, bagpipers and the singing of “Amazing Grace.”
A Day of Remembrance…
The Cape Harbour event at Rumrunners, called “A Day of Rememberance,” will occur on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. It will honor our fallen heroes from FDNY; NYPD; and the New York Port Authority Police as well as several other paramedics; military personnel; civilians of The World Trade Center and the Pentagon; and fallen crew members and passengers from American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 77 and United Airlines Flight 93.
Organizers would like to thank many of the local police, firefighters, emergency medical staff, coast guard, fish & wildlife commission and other organizations participating in the event.
It is organized by American Airlines Kiwi Club – Suncoast Chapter.
“Rib Rockin’ Rodeo 2011”
Members of the community are invited to join the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for a special weekend of events that will honor the memories of the thousands of people killed in the 9-11 terrorist attacks. It’s all part of a special weekend commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9-11.
The celebration will begin on Saturday, Sept. 10, with an Appreciation Bike Ride beginning at the Fort Myers Harley Davidson, 2160 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers. On Sunday, Sept. 11, the community is invited to watch the “Local Heroes Parade” featuring police, fire, and emergency workers, military heroes, veterans, ROTC, scouts and more. This mile-long parade will begin at Fort Myers Page Field Commons at 8 a.m. and will be followed by a remembrance ceremony of the 9-11 victims at 10 a.m. at Fort Myers Harley Davidson. It will feature guest speakers and will honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
After the ceremony, everyone is invited to enjoy the “Rib Rockin’ Rodeo” at noon. This is a competition that will pit the best rib makers against each other to see who can serve up the most delicious dish. Prizes will be awarded in three cook-off categories: public safety, amateur and restaurant.
Other features include a raffle for a 2011 Harley Davidson Sportster. (The money from the raffle will be given to local organizations that support public safety and the military). The band “One Night Rodeo” will rock the rib fest, which will have something for everyone in your family.
Tickets are $10 dollars for adults. Children are free with a paid adult ticket. This event raises money to support the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Communications Training Department.
Organizers are actively seeking sponsors and cook-off participants. Those interested in participating, or sponsoring the event can contact Christine Hodges at 477-1213 or by email at chodges@sheriffleefl.org to obtain information on sponsorship packages or cook-off rules.
Remember 9-11 Tenth Year
“Remember 9-11 Tenth Year” is another ceremonial event being planned in Fort Myers on Sept. 11. It is the culmination of months of planning by artist Leoma Lovegrove to make sure the tragic events of that day in 2001 will never be forgotten.
Remember 9-11 Tenth Year is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd. There is no charge to attend the event but reservations are required and must be made by calling Broadway Palm’s Box Office at 278-4422. Tickets can also be obtained online, but there is a service change per ticket.
The program includes a continental breakfast from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lovegrove will PAINT OUT LOUD on stage creating a billboard sized canvas of the American Bald Eagle to music and live testimonials. At 12:30 p.m., the heroes of that day will be honored with a moving ceremony.
Galloway Ford is the title sponsor for the event.