South Florida Marks 10th Anniversary Of Sept. 11th Attacks
MIAMI (CBS4) – South Florida residents commemorated the September 11th terrorist attacks by participating in a number of special events including memorial services, prayer services and marathon runs.
Pastor Jason Fevig said part of Sunday's service at Harvest Bible Chapel in Miami paid tribute to "those who served so faithfully."
Fevig, a 34-year-old former occupational therapist turned clergyman, was in Miami's Little Havana community on the day of the attacks.
"I heard all this commotion. I spoke some Spanish, not fluent, but I knew something tragic had happened," he said.
Gloria Lindo, 78, attended Sunday services at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in suburban Miami, but preferred to pray in silence for the 9/11 victims.
"I say my own private prayer. I don't really broadcast it. But I just say my own, quiet prayer, remember everything about it," Lindo said.
Lindo, a former secretary originally from Jamaica, was at work when she heard about the attacks."You couldn't really concentrate after that," she said. "It's still very sad."
The Miami Dolphins "Special Teams" spent Sunday packing care packages to send to our troops stationed overseas. Volunteer stuffed boxes with materials which soldiers had requested through the website AnySoldier.com.
Shannon Ford, Mrs. United States, said it's important to never forget September 11th and, in celebration of the National Day of Service, volunteering is good way to honor those who died.
"I remember 9/11 as if it was yesterday," said Ford. "It is a good way to honor those lives that were lost on 9/11."
"Over 100 volunteers took part in today's event and we will be able to serve over 600 troops," said Leslie Nixon, Miami Dolphins Manager of Volunteer Programs. "We received over $20,000 worth of products in donations and are excited and fortunate that we are able to make a positive impact for our troops."
Click Here to learn more about the Miami Dolphins "Special Teams" and how you can volunteer to make a difference.
At a memorial service in Miami-Dade, fire Chief William Bryson said he will never forget that horrible day or the courage of those who helped.
"The attacks were meant to put fear in the hearts of Americans," said Bryson, "I guess al Qaida don't know Americans."
Bryson vividly remembers being at Ground Zero and the emotional search for survivors.
"The people of New York, they're supposed to be tough, heartless and cold," said Bryson, "I can tell you those people are warm and loving and faithful."
U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz said, in a statement, the events of that day, those who died and the bravery of the first responders must never be forgotten.
"September 11 was one of the darkest days in our nation's history, but America is resilient. As we have proven over the last 10 years, the American spirit cannot be broken. We always have been – and always will remain – the land of the free and the home of the brave," said Wasserman Schultz. "Today, and every day, we must keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers, pledging to never forget the events of that tragic day. Their lives will not have been in vain."
U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson echoed that sentiment.
"Ten years ago, thousands of innocents civilians fell victim to the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. Today, we honor the memory of those who lost their lives that fateful day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who lost loved ones in such a shameless act of violence," said Wilson in a statement. "We especially remember the first responders – firefighters, police, emergency personnel, and chaplains – who made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to save others. We also pay tribute to our brave men and women in uniform, who have made immeasurable sacrifices serving our country overseas over multiple tours of duty."
"On September 11, 2001, our nation made 'United We Stand' more than just a motto. We put our differences aside and showed the resilience of this great nation. Let us pay tribute to the victims and their families by recommitting ourselves on this day to protect each other—every human being—from all hatred, extremism, and injustice. After all, it is hate which nurtures the minds of those who wish to do us harm," said Congressman Alcee Hastings in a statement.
On Saturday, thousands of runners gathered to support the victims of 9|11 in the first annual Tunnel to Towers 5K run Saturday morning in Ft. Lauderdale. The run is patterned on an event in New York that has grown to include 20 thousand runners.
Many of the firefighters who ran in Saturday's event ran in full bunker gear in honor of Stephen Siller, the off duty New York City firefighter who abandoned his car in the jammed Brooklyn to Battery tunnel and ran toward the World Trade Center in full firefighter gear. He was picked up by a fire crew, taken to the towers, and was never seen again.
The run is in memory of his sacrifice.
CBS4 Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli helped organize the South Florida event, after working with the original run while living in New York.
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