Mark your calendars for a poignant moment of reflection as St. Augustine gears up to commemorate a somber anniversary—the lives lost on September 11, 2001. In a report by City of St. Augustine, they are set to host their annual Ceremony of Remembrance at the St. Augustine Fire Department’s main station located at 101 Malaga Street, on Thursday, September 11, at 8:30 am.
The ceremony, a tribute to those affected by the tragic events 24 years ago, will be broadcast live for those who cannot attend in-person on the Fire Department's Facebook page, ensuring community members can still partake virtually. The gathering will feature a Presentation of Colors by an honor guard comprised of local fire departments and law enforcement agencies, the invocation to be led by Pastor Matt Marino of Trinity Parish, and both St. Augustine Fire Chief Carlos Avilés and St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick will deliver remarks which is something to tune in for if the local community and national reflection is your wont.
The ceremony will then witness the historic 1900 Fire Bell toll in the “Striking the Four 5’s,” a firefighters' tribute, to symbolize the final alarm for those who made the ultimate sacrifice that day, done in honor of all lost, including first responders and civilians.
The solemn observance will draw to a close as the sound of pipes and drums fill the air with “Amazing Grace,” an emblematic tune that seeks to provide comfort in remembrance of those who departed. According to the City of St. Augustine's announcement.
