As the United States approaches the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the City of Pembroke Pines is preparing to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on that tragic day. According to an announcement on the City's official website, a special observance is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, starting at 8:30 a.m. The public ceremony will be located at Veterans Memorial Park, right next to the Charles F. Dodge City Center.
During the commemoration, the Pembroke Pines Police and Fire Department Honor Guards will present the colors, marking the start of a sequence of activities planned for attendees of all ages. Further details reveal that the community will experience patriotic music performed by local school bands and musicians. The ceremony will also welcome guest speakers, including community leaders, aiming to reflect and pay respects to those who perished in New York, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Patriot Day, which is the annual observance of this solemn event, invites the nation to a standstill with flags flown at half-staff and a moment of silence observed at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. This exact minute marks the time the first plane collided with the World Trade Center. While this day is not observed as a federal holiday, with schools and businesses remaining open and public transportation running on regular schedules, the spirit of remembrance touches the citizens deeply each year.
It is important to note that Patriot Day should not be conflated with Patriot’s Day which commemorates the 1775 battles of Lexington and Concord, key moments in the start of the American Revolutionary War. Those interested in the upcoming observance or seeking more information can contact the City of Pembroke Pines directly by calling 954-392-2116, as indicated on their announcement.
