Three commemorations set
The 25th marking of a day that changed the landscape of the world takes place next week.
Americans, as a people, vowed to always remember the events that took place on Sept. 11, 2001. And next Friday morning in Cape Coral, first responders, city leaders, and members of the public will gather to “never forget.”
On the lawn in front of City Council Chambers at 8:30 a.m., the public is invited to gather to pay tribute to the thousands who lost their lives in the terrorist attack that rocked not just the nation, but the world 25 years ago.
The ceremony will include the presentation of colors by the Cape Coral Fire and Police Honor Guards, a moment of silence, an invocation, poetry reading, and brief remarks by city leaders reflecting on the significance of that tragic day in our nation’s history. Following the presentation, attendees are invited to participate in a meaningful act of remembrance by staking 2,977 American flags in the lawn in front of City Hall. Each flag represents a precious life lost, and reaffirm commitment to the solemn promise that “we will never forget.”
“We invite the community to join us as we remember those we lost and honor those who, with dignity and courage, made the ultimate sacrifice helping others,” said CCFD Chief Mike Russell.
The ceremony is free and open to the public.
The terrorist attack on the United States reshaped the path of the nation moving forward, and tragically, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives and still many feel after-effects today.
Of the nearly 3,000 who perished, 343 were FDNY firefighters and 72 were law enforcement officers.
“September 11 is a day that carries a deep significance for law enforcement officers,” the Cape Coral Police Department Public Affairs Office said in a release. “We remember the 441 first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, along with the thousands of others who lost their lives that day. For those of us in law enforcement, their sacrifice is especially personal because we understand the commitment they made to serve others, even in the face of unimaginable danger. There is a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood in law enforcement, and that bond extends beyond our own departments and communities. When one of our own makes the ultimate sacrifice, we remember them as colleagues, as public servants, and as people who put the safety of others ahead of their own.
“We encourage the Cape Coral community to join us for this year’s ceremony because September 11 is a part of our nation’s history that should never be forgotten. It is an opportunity for all of us to pause, remember the lives that were lost, honor the first responders who ran toward danger, and reflect on the sacrifices made in service to others. We hope the community will come together with us to ensure that their courage and their stories continue to be remembered.”
The parking lot in front of City Hall will be closed to cars to accommodate the ceremony from 5 p.m. on Sept. 10 to 1 p.m. on Sept. 11. Parking is available at the back of the building or across Cultural Park Boulevard, and City Hall will be open regular business hours.
City Hall is at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.
American Legion Post 90
The public also is invited to join the American Legion Post 90 for a 9/11 remembrance. The memorial will be held at 11 a.m. at Post 90, at 1401 S.E. 47th St., bringing the community together to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor the courage and sacrifice of first responders, active-duty service members and military families.
The ceremony will open with the presentation of colors by the Mariner High School JROTC, followed by a prayer for remembrance and healing from the Post 90 chaplain, a welcome and introduction of dignitaries, and opening remarks.
The program will include recognition of active-duty members, Blue Star families and first responders in attendance, followed by a first responder speech by Michael J. Flower, a veteran and NYPD survivor of 9/11.
A wreath will be placed as names are read by several participants, including Michael Flower; Michelle Rosenberger of Post 303; Ken Davis, an FDNY paramedic; Sherry Baker; Charles Pothier; and retired police officers from the NYPD/Cop Shop/10-13 Club. The Post 90 Honor Guard will offer a salute volley, with Taps played as the final shots ring out, followed by “Amazing Grace” performed by bagpiper Donald Hussey, a final benediction from the Post 90 chaplain and the retiring of the colors.
‘Field of Flags’
For those who would like to pay their respects to the fallen prior to Sept. 11, 92.5 FOX News invites the community to visit the “Field of Flags” at Bernice Braden Park near the Cape Coral Bridge. The remembrance begins on Labor Day, Sept. 7, at 9 a.m. with a traditional planting of American flags which will remain standing through Sept. 11, creating a powerful visual memorial for all to visit and experience as they drive west along Cape Coral Parkway.
Bernice Braden Park is at 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E.
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run
Southwest Florida will unite in remembrance during the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in September. The event honors the sacrifice of first responders and military heroes while supporting the families and survivors they leave behind.
The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk will be held on Sept. 12 at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers. The event benefits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Locally, the run and walk is chaired by Taylor Carpet One’s Lauren Taylor.
The Tunnel to Towers run and walk was founded in honor of the late Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who lost his life while fighting to save others in the World Trade Center tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. The event symbolizes Siller’s run through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on 9/11, which had been closed for security purposes immediately after the attack. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 pounds of gear to his back and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he lost his life while saving others.
“Bringing the community together each year to recognize the heroes who gave everything for our safety and freedom is something we’re proud to do,” said Taylor in a release. “Doing so on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy is an honor.”
Registration is broken down into four categories:
• Adult (18-plus): $45
• First Responder and Military: $35
• Youth (13-17): $25
• Child (12 and under): $20
The 2025 event in Southwest Florida event raised $50,000. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Taylor has set a goal of raising $25,000 more for a total of $75,000 this year.
To register for the event or make a secure online donation, visit RunSignup.com.
In addition to its nationwide runs and walks and in recognition of the 25th anniversary, the foundation is transporting a traveling exhibit, Steel Across America, to communities across the United States. Started in May and finishing on 9/11, an authentic steel beam from the World Trade Center is visiting landmark locations, sporting events and town squares, creating moments of connection for those who lived through 9/11 and educational opportunities for those too young to remember.