Moderator Judith Sedgeman poses with panelists Christopher Wenzel, Jackie Barron, Luke Bencie, Dan Hoffe and Bonnie Silvestri

Ty Reed spoke of what he remembered about 9/11 and asked a question of panelist Luke Bencie Wednesday, Sept. 7, inside the Selby Auditorium.

Todd Parrish talked about getting a call from the President of the United States and was told he would be accompanying Vice President Cheney overseas right after 9/11 as part of a peace treaty effort. “We visited all these bases and I had soldiers asking me to call their loved ones and let them know they were OK.”

Kathy Elias got teary during Ann Campagna’s essay about being in New York on Sept. 11, 2001.

Ann Campagna read an essay she wrote about being in New York on Sept. 11, 2001.

Special guest retired New York Fire Fighter, Garrett Lindgren, spoke to the crowd about his involvement in 9/11 during the Triumph over Tragedy: Remembering 9/11 a Decade Later, Wednesday, Sept. 7 inside the Selby Auditorium. “I never went out and thought I wouldn’t come back… I said goodbye to my wife and truly believe we would all be dead in a l

A large crowd came out for the Triumph over Tragedy: Remembering 9/11 a Decade Later, Wednesday, Sept. 7, inside the Selby Auditorium.

Bonnie Greenball Silvestri worked at the Family Assistance Unit at Pier 94 in NYC and helped victim’s families obtain death certificates. “The last conversations were the most difficult to read,” said Silvestri.

Christopher Wenzel, Master Sergeant, US Air Force (Retired), was deployed to the Mid-East after the attacks and authored a comprehensive wartime action plan checklist that was used for Operation Enduring Freedom. “We were in the dark about what was going on in the States,” said Wenzel, “Our main mission was to support the troops and establish a pr

Luke Bencie was hired following the attacks to serve with the US Department of State’s Foreign Emergency Support Team. “My career changed with a phone call on Sept. 12,” said Bencie.

Jackie Barron was reporting for News Channel 8 at the time of the attack and was in Booker Elementary with President Bush when he received the call and had to address the nation. “It seemed (Sarasota) was as much in the center of it, short of New York, than anywhere else in the world,” said Barron.

Dan Hoffe was on the 61st floor of the South Tower when the North Tower was hit and was still in the building when the second plane hit the South Tower. “I hope we never forget the bravery of the New York Fire Department and all the good people who passed away,” said Hoffe.

Judith Sedgeman, director of the Institute of Public Policy and Leadership, moderated the program.

Sean Kerns of the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard salutes the flag during the Triumph over Tragedy: Remembering 9/11 a Decade Later, Wednesday, Sept. 7 inside the Selby Auditorium.

Robert Blackwell of the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard salutes the flag Wednesday, Sept. 7 inside Selby Auditorium at USF Sarasota-Manatee.

Mona Jain spoke to the panelists and the crowd about her hope for peace during the Triumph over Tragedy: Remembering 9/11 a Decade Later, Wednesday, Sept. 7 inside the Selby Auditorium.