BUNNELL, Fla. (September 9, 2024) – Compassion and humanity were among the words used to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks during the 18th Annual 9-11 Memorial Ride on Sunday.
As the next generation begins to take a leadership role in communities across America, those who lived through or experienced the tragedy of 9-11 shared why it’s important to remember the day and the national unity that followed the attacks in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania.
Standing on the steps of the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, dignitaries representing Flagler County, Palm Coast and Bunnell spoke from the heart alongside Flagler County’s first responder leadership, Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.
“We’re 23 years after the incident and it was probably one of the most impactful things that ever occurred in our country,” said Tucker.
©Flagler News Weekly
“The fact that the firefighters, first responders, law enforcement all of them, rushed into danger, it was bad enough that we lost the thousands of people that we did, but the firefighters and police officers didn’t hesitate to do that, to go into harm’s way. I think today is about remembering not only the people that died that day, but remembering the sacrifice that those individuals, the firefighters, the police officers, made, knowing that they probably weren’t going to come home.”
Tucker encouraged Americans to remember the spirit of unity shared during those fateful days.
“I also think it’s important for us to walk through today remembering them, and trying to remember the humanity that each of us lived on that day. We saw that we were obviously attacked by cowards, the U.S. citizens, the population, rose to the occasion and demonstrated what America truly is about,” said Tucker.
Palm Coast Fire Department Lt. Patrick Juliano performed on the bag pipes as the color guard brought forward the flags.
It’s a somber occasion Juliano says Americans must never forget and continue to educate the next generation about.
“It’s been 23 years since the terrorist attacks. We have a lot of people here who were first responders, were residents, had family members, or were there at the World Trade Center. This is not just a day in the history books, this is something that’s close to home. To do our part to never forget is why were here.”
“One of the ways we can do that is share the names of the first responders or the stories of heroism that day,” he said of educating others. “The stories of the boat lift where they evacuated over 800,000 people out of lower Manhattan in eight hours, the stories of countless opportunities of kindness and humanity and people coming together, the stories of heroes and people going into the buildings and rescuing, knowing that they may not come out. By telling their stories, sharing their names, that is how we can never forget,” said Juliano.
Organized by the Knights of the Inferno Motorcycle Club Flagler Chapter, the event has grown in support over the years with sponsorship by Politis and Matovina law firm allowing event participation to be free of charge, and logistical support by The Punishers Motorcycle Club, Flagler Chapter.
“Today we’re here to remember those we lost on 9-11,” said Joe Vece, President of the Knights of the Inferno. “I’m glad to see that people are here for the right reasons. It’s all from their heart.”
The 64-mile ride closed with a celebration at the 1405 Saloon in Bunnell, hosted by owners Tom and Lisa Moravec.
Don Edwards, PalmCoastNow.com contributed to this report.
