PALM HARBOR — Curlew Hills Memory Gardens in Palm Harbor has gained a reputation for holding one of the largest and most poignant Sept. 11 ceremonies in the Tampa Bay area and state.
The gardens, at 1750 Curlew Road, include a special section of the cemetery dedicated to the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy that is designed around a 150-pound piece of steel from one of the World Trade Center towers.
On the 25th anniversary of the 2001 attacks, that tradition will continue when it invites the public to a 10 a.m. service on Friday, Sept. 11.
The ceremony will feature master of ceremony Mark Wilson and keynote speaker Genelle Guzman-McMillan, the last survivor rescued from the World Trade Center site after being buried in the rubble for over 24 hours.
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, she was working on the 64th floor of the North Tower when the first plane struck. After evacuation orders, she and co-workers began descending. Nearly 90 minutes later, as she paused to remove her high heels on the 13th floor, the tower suddenly collapsed, trapping her under tons of rubble.
Rescue crews located her after 27 hours trapped and she became the final survivor pulled alive from the rubble.
The event will also feature helicopter flyovers, honor guards, musical performances by the Tampa Bay Heralds of Harmony and a special appearance by a bald eagle from Tampa Bay Raptor Rescue.
To ensure that the younger generations learn the history of the tragic day, Curlew Hills will once again be holding its essay contest for middle school students in Pinellas County. The winner will receive $500 and may be invited to read his/her essay at the event.
Inspiring 9/11 artwork by local elementary school students will also be on display. Curlew donates $500 to the art department of each participating school.
In addition to the ceremony, Curlew Hills’ 9/11 Memorial Lights will shine from 8 to 10 p.m. Sept. 10 and 11.