Commemoration of 9/11 attacks planned on Sept. 11 at Sarasota National Cemetery

Members of the public invited to ‘adopt’ those who were among the fallen and then participate in the ceremony

Photo courtesy of Norman Schimmel
Photo courtesy of Norman Schimmel

A 15th anniversary commemoration of the 9/11 attacks on the United States will be held on Sunday, Sept. 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Patriot Plaza at the Sarasota National Cemetery, organizers have announced.

Prior to the ceremony, members of the public who would like to do so may “Adopt a Fallen,” by going to http://bit.ly/29R65gP and choosing among the 2,977 names engraved in bronze at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, a news release says. During the Sept. 11 ceremony, attendees will be asked to stand to state the names of those of the fallen they have adopted while members of the Sarasota Fire Department present the Tolling of the Bell, the release adds. Later during the service, participants will again stand for their adopted fallen while Sarasota Military Academy bagpipers play Amazing Grace, the release notes.

The community’s first responders, active military members and veterans also will be recognized during the commemoration, the release continues.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan of Sarasota, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Venice Diocese, Sheriff Thomas Knight, local police and fire chiefs, mayors, commissioners, clergy, a community chorus with more than 100 members, military officers and veterans will participate in the event as well, the release notes.

Special commemorative coins minted to mark the occasion will be presented to Sarasota’s first responders, veterans and active duty military personnel in attendance, the release continues. A procession of all clergy and presenters will begin and end the service, it adds.

The first 500 people to arrive at Patriot Plaza will receive red, white and blue flowers; they will be asked to place the flowers in a mesh in the form of the American flag, which will be in front of the stage, the release says.

Members of the public and representatives of organizations may learn about volunteer opportunities for the commemoration by visiting http://bit.ly/2a61F60.