Flagler County, Fla. (September 11, 2022)- Opening with a beachside ceremony, Flagler Beach residents gathered to remember the events of September 11, 2001 on Sunday morning at the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier.
The annual tradition, started 11 years ago, still brings tears to the eyes of founder Kevin Ryan, Flagler County state district deputy for the Knights of Columbus, Santa Maria del Mar chapter.
“I lost some good friends on 9-11. It’s just important that we remember those that died and celebrate the fact that we’re the freest country in the world,” said Ryan.
“We have to forget all the nonsense and just remember that together nobody can beat us. We learned that on September 11th. If we allow people to forget then shame on us. There’s a brand new PFC Minori who’s leading the pledge for us today. The young are stepping up and continue to step up. It’s up to us to be leaders. If we lead correctly, we’ll grow new leaders that will lead correctly.”
“For one thing, we lost more than 2,900 people on 9-11 and we’re here to honor them as we do, every year,” said Frank Constantino Color Corps Commander of Assembly 2810 Knights of Columbus. “We are not alone. It has become part of Patriot Day, honoring our fallen brothers.”
The day evokes powerful emotions among the most battle tested of men and as retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Ernie Audino reflected on the day, he held back his own tears.
“9-11 reminds us that there are things so much more important than us, so much bigger than us. I’ll paraphrase General Patton who said we should not mourn for our fallen comrades, we should thank God that such brave warriors lived,” said Audino.
Never envisioning his service would be during one of the 21st century’s most unforgettable events, he hopes that the next generation will remember and respect the service and sacrifice of those who stepped up to defend the world against terrorism.
“I think it’s a duty of those veterans from 9-11 to tell that story, because if they don’t tell that story are they going to leave it up to, I don’t know, Dan Rather, he’s passed, but those types?” he asked. “It is incumbent upon the veterans to tell the story, tell the truth. Let the average American know there are people here who served things so much bigger than themselves.”
“I am so proud of the guys on my left and my right that I served with,” said Audino with genuine humility. “These soldiers that come back from combat, they have learned real lessons about service and sacrifice, about duty and honor and country, and loyalty, and honor, and discipline and integrity. They set these examples for others.”
“I knew when I raised my hand July 2, 1979 at West Point, I knew that I would serve with some real heroes on the left and the right. I never realized, at that time, how significant that would be. Most of those guys are people with far less rank than I have.”
A newly enlisted Marine stood shoulder to shoulder with members of the Knights of Columbus silhouetted by the sun, a timeless reminder of the past, present and future. Rose petals floated atop the gentle waves as those gathered softly sang God Bless America.
“I think it’s important for each community to honor those who fell in such a horrible way. I’m from New York and every time I think about those buildings being crashed into … it was three months after I moved here,” said Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy.
“All those people who lost their lives and are continuing because of breathing problems, the first responders, are suffering to this day, those that survived. I think it’s important that everybody recognize that.”
Across the county hundreds of motorcycles sat in wait to begin the 9-11 Memorial Ride hosted by the Knights of the Inferno and The Punishers Motor Cycle Clubs.
On the steps of the Flagler County Courthouse, dignitaries delivered heartfelt speeches of remembrance, eloquently capturing the raw emotions of the day, but none more so than Palm Coast Battalion Chief Kyle Berryhill.
Delivering his remarks with emotion, the crowd was deeply moved by the plea for kindness, love, selflessness and gratitude as we each go about the business of doing good.
“So how do we remember? I think one of the best ways is through an event like today. There’s nothing more American than this parking lot full of motorcycles and all you guys roaring down the road through our wonderful community,” said Berryhill.
“I agree that it’s fitting and proper that we should be intentional about remembering the heroes of 9-11,” he said, referencing the Gettysburg Address speech given by President Lincoln. “Remembering is more than a nice to have. We owe it to those who gave their lives.”
“I believe there is no greater love than that of laying down your life for your friends. So the example I want to emulate from the first responders of 9-11, a way for me and all of us to remember, is to try to be kind and show love to our neighbors,” said Berryhill.
And while later that evening thunderstorms raged, the City of Palm Coast lauded one of their own, Fire Chief Jerry Forte, for his exemplary service not only to the fire department he has called family for more than three decades, but for his commitment to the community as a whole.
“Tonight, Chief Forte was honored with the “Follow In Their Footsteps” leadership award. Chief Forte is the servant leader that all of us follow,” said Palm Coast Fire Department Lt. Patrick Juliano.
“As a mentor, instructor, friend and Fire Chief he has helped guide many of us along our personal and professional lives. As we reflect on the sacrifice and the dedication of those who’ve gone before us, we reflect upon the importance of service to others. Today we remember the lost and celebrate the legacies that they leave behind.”
Nestled into Fire Station 21, Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin presented Forte with the 2022 Tunnel To Towers “Follow In Their Footsteps” award.
“Beyond the scope of the fire department, Chief Forte has gone above and beyond the call of duty on more than one occasion,” noted Alfin. “Anyone who knows Chief Forte would attest to his commitment to excellence and his dedication to public service.”
“This means a lot,” said Forte, sharing his dedication to his department and the citizens. “I try to do the best I can. I never want to let them down.”
