Veterans Events Digital Program

Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance

Welcome to Veterans Memorial Park & Rear Admiral Leroy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum

Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 10:30 AM

Program

Welcome	Col. Ronald Tucker (Ret.), District Area JROTC Coordinator, Director of Army Instruction, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Presentation of Colors	Lennard High School U.S. Army JROTC Color Guard Lennard High School Saber Team
National Anthem	Cadet Samantha Haro, Newsome High School Army JROTC
Pledge of Allegiance	Charles Conover, U.S. Army (Ret.), President Veterans Council of Hillsborough County Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Youth Academy
Invocation	Cadet Lt. Col. Caroline Victoria Alonso High School U.S. Army JROTC
Remarks	Bonnie Wise, County Administrator Hillsborough County Commissioners
Procession of the Beam	Chief Jason Dougherty, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) Unified Honor Guard members from HCFR, Plant City Fire Rescue, Temple Terrace Fire Rescue
Ringing of the Bell	Chief Ian Kemp, Temple Terrace Fire Rescue Chief David Dittman, Plant City Fire Rescue
Rifle Salute & Taps	Sgt. Walter P. Ryan, Detachment 1226, Marine Corps League, Riverview, FL
JROTC Recognition	he Hon. Gregory Holder, Retired Judge, Florida Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, U.S. Air Force Colonel (Ret.)
Closing Remarks	Cadet Cmdr. Isabela Stitt

The Beam

The tragic attacks of 9/11 sent our nation, and indeed the entire world, into a state of shock and sadness. At that time, members of the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, all military retirees, were in the early stages of fundraising for the many memorials now seen at Veterans Memorial Park. They obtained a steel beam pulled from the wreckage of the Twin Towers in New York City. The 135-pound relic is proudly displayed at the Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum alongside a helmet from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. The display serves as a sacred reminder of first responders’ service and the lives lost on 9/11: “Never Forget.”

Just last month, three new names of identified remains were added for an updated total of 1,653 victims identified out of the 2,753 killed at the World Trade Center in 2001. Some 24 years after the attacks, forensic pathologists from the New York Medical Examiner’s Office continue to test and retest thousands of remains and additional evidence so families and other loved ones may have closure, and so these victims are properly remembered.

About Patriot Day

On Dec. 18, 2001, just a short time after the 9/11 attacks, 22 members of the U.S. Congress established Patriot Day in a joint resolution to honor victims. It became Public Law 107-89. In 2009, 9/11 became a National Day of Service and Remembrance through yet another bipartisan Congressional initiative.

9/11 is a National Day of Service and Remembrance

Following today’s ceremony, students and attendees are invited to meet and greet active-duty military and first responders as they aim to inspire the next generation. Please take a moment to share their pride in service while enjoying complimentary refreshments.

Hillsborough County’s Veterans Memorial Park and its monuments are free and open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM May you visit often, and thank you for your support!

Special thanks to

American Legion Alafia Post 148, Cmdr. Andy Davis
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Youth Academy
Hillsborough County Urban Search and Rescue
MacDill Air Force Base 6th Security Forces Squadron
U.S. Coast Guard St. Petersburg Station
U.S. Marine Corps 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion
Volunteers for Rear Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum

The Veterans Council

The Veterans Council of Hillsborough County meets on the last Monday of each month at 6 PM inside the Veterans Resource Center on the grounds of the park.

New members are welcome! Call (813) 635-8316 for more information.