Honoring Heroes, Reflecting on Tragedy, and Celebrating Community Resilience

By Susan Slater

Yearly, we pause to mourn lives shattered and lost on September 11, 2001. Forest Lake Estates residents marked their Second Annual 9/11 Ceremony honoring the victims, survivors, and first responders who faced unimaginable terror with a packed filled hour and a half of prayers, tributes, songs, and tears.

The ceremony was thoughtfully coordinated by Bob Burke, a retired police officer from Salem, Massachusetts.

Colors were posted, an opening prayer was read, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and Lee Ann Rimes’ stirring rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner filled the room. Guest speakers offered many prayers and tributes to the fallen officers, firefighters, and first responders, with resident first responders in attendance.

Pat Fletcher, a retired police officer, known as the “Hot Dog Man” from Florida Medical Center, read “An Officer’s Heart,” recognizing the sacrifices of their lives to save others.

Laura Wilcoxen, Pasco County Emergency Management, read “The Dispatcher’s Prayer”—a moving plea to God for strength and the ability to endure the stress of emergency dispatching. A bell was rung for each of the twenty names recognized.

Before closing, Good Samaritans and First Responders were recognized with a moving segment honoring the K-9s who aided in rescue and recovery.

The ceremony concluded with “Amazing Grace,” in a moving FDNY tribute recording featuring bagpipes and drums.  TAPS filled the air, followed by recorded 21 gunshots.

NEVER FORGET!