BRADENTON — The Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association was joined by first responders, elected officials and members of the community on Sept. 11 at the annual Tribute to Heroes, honoring those who gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, to rescue others.
The tribute at the First Responder Memorial at Rossi Park also honored the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and those aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.
The keynote speaker at the ceremony, which marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, was retired New York City firefighter Phillip Tesorio, who recounted his participation at Ground Zero.
Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown spoke about his cousin, a police officer who was in the World Trade Center at the time and survived.
“Our country is the greatest country in the world. We are going to protect our country,” he said.
Palmetto Mayor Dan West said that many young adults today only know Sept. 11 as history, while older Americans must preserve their firsthand memories.
“The true task of ‘never forget’ begins now,” he said.
Retiring U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan was also among those who made remarks.
Bagpipers played “Amazing Grace” at the close of the ceremony, with one piper walking out of the park to the last strains, representing those who died in the line of duty, bringing many to tears.
The ceremony also included an honor guard presentation, flag ceremony, wreath presentation, a three-volley salute and the release of white doves, representing new beginnings, love, happiness, faith and everlasting life.
