University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee remembers Sept. 11, 2001

By Ian Swaby
| 12:20 p.m. September 11, 2024

The color guard, including Cpl. Christopher Short and Cpl. Antonio Martinez (pictured) march in the ceremony.

Sarasota
Neighbors

As the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee hosted its annual remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001, the theme of resilience repeatedly emerged.

Keynote speaker Jack McDonnell of Lakewood Ranch, a former battalion chief with the FDNY, was among those who emphasized how the country came together in response to the horrific events of that day.

"The most astonishing moments, positive moments, that I recall from that time, was the coming together of people, the visible acts of kindness, caring, helpfulness and concern," he said. "It was everywhere. This horrific tragedy caused us to find our human commonality. It turned a city that was thought to be rude and disrespectful, into the real neighborly people that we were."

The ceremony brought together participants from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Sarasota Police Department, the Sarasota County Fire Department, and students from Booker Middle School and St. Stephens Episcopal School in Bradenton.

McDonnell also recounted his experience springing into action, from a golfing reunion of firefighters, in response to the attacks on the World Trade Center.

"The site before us was surreal. It was nothing that any of us had ever experienced, and there were many of us with many years on the job," he told attendees.

Among the toll, he said that according to a recent study by the Society of Environmental Epidemiology, 490,000 people were exposed to the deadly cancer causing toxins.

Karen Holbrook, regional chancellor at USF Sarasota-Manatee, helped close out the ceremony by also offering her recollection of the sense of community and patriotism following the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

"We all displayed symbols of national allegiance and pride in the windows in our homes, our offices and our automobiles," she said. "We gathered on short notice for musical events of patriotic songs and other ceremonies to honor those lost, and to celebrate the heroic efforts of others, and reaffirm our cherished freedom."

Fire Chief Jason Hackley of SRQ Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, lays a wreath to commemorate 9/11.

Officer Alex Halley of New College of Florida's Campus Police Department carries the flag.

Sarasota Police Department Officer Oscar Martinez II proceeds to lay a wreath during the remembrance.

Students at USF Sarasota-Manatee laid flags on the ground throughout the campus, on Saturday, in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001.

Richard Sellwood, chief operating officer of USF Federal Credit Union, speaks at the event.

Former battallion chief Jack McDonnell of Lakewood Ranch speaks to attendees.

Karen Holbrook, regional chancellor at USF Sarasota-Manatee, delivers a speech.

United States Army Captain Markevius Sanders reads "Old Glory."

Deputy Johnny Moreira, Detective Dwight Mattis, Detective Vincent Ovchar and Sgt. Nathan King of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office perform the 21-Gun Salute.

Julie Waters of Braden River Brass plays Taps.

Third-graders from Saint Stephen's Episcopal School in Bradenton sing "God Bless America."

Third-graders from Saint Stephen's Episcopal School in Bradenton sing the "Armed Forces Medley."

9/11 first responder and former lieutenant Benjamin Maggio, of Bradenton, applauds during the ceremony.

9/11 first responders Benjamin Maggio of Bradenton, Jack McDonnell of Lakewood Ranch, Daniel Caffrey of Siesta Key and Steven Merenda of Lakewood Ranch, and former FDNY member Garth Henning of Sarasota

Alexandra Bennettson, a 10th grader at Saint Stephens Episcopal School, sings "The Star Spangled Banner."

Principal LaShawn Frost of Booker Middle School introduces her students during the remembrance.

Students at Booker Middle School talk about the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.