FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. (September 11, 2024) – The warm, rich tones of Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Commander Kenny Gonclaves’ voice closed the day’s rounds of ceremonies honoring the lives lost on September 11, 2001 like a soothing embrace as he sang the words to ‘God Bless America’ inside Palm Coast Fire Station 21 during the City of Palm Coast’s Candlelight Memorial Ceremony.
It was a much-needed balm for the soul on an endlessly rainy September 11th.
With more than two decades between the tragic day that would forever change the United States and today, many of the speeches offered by dignitaries and first responders this year drew attention to efforts to ensure history never repeats itself with lessons on humanity, kindness, and unity.
Stories of heroism, from the most well-known like Steven Stiller to the unsung heroes like those who ferried hundreds of thousands to safety on 9/11, the rescue dogs whose own sadness was palpable as they searched for survivors, and the strangers who housed thousands of stranded airline passengers in Newfoundland after the skies were closed during their transatlantic flights to the U.S., were shared at events throughout the day, by speakers like New York City Department Lt. Richard Glover.
“Why we should remember is history repeats itself. We should never let this be repeated. And for those who died and are dying now. The sickness is amazing. It’s so widespread it’s incredible. And we’re the lucky ones,” said Glover.
“The product of this country is unknown people that do their jobs. These people from all over the world, believe me, I didn’t understand why people from Germany would show up in Manhattan. It was a crazy time, and we did our best. Every one of them guys that went in that building will just tell you they were doing their job.”
Mike Chandler, Vice President At-Large of the Florida Elks Association attended the early morning ceremony at the Elks Lodge 2709 in Palm Coast and was moved by the program.
“This was the first time I’ve been to this ceremony, and it brought me to tears,” he said. “Too many things are being forgotten now days and we need to remember something that happened to us like Pearl Harbor. This is just as important. We can never forget our veterans and our first responders.”
Representing the City of Palm Coast, Mayor David Alfin shared a speech to open the day with the Elks, going on to later share the story of Manny, a young child born six months after his father death on 9/11, to close the day with the city’s fire department.
“We’re at an inflection point in terms of our age here in the community, the demographics, we use that term a lot. You’ve got a lot of older folks here like myself who remember and know exactly what they were doing at that moment but you also have younger people that are only hearing the story. If you don’t bring them forward, make them a part of the story, they won’t be able to live it and share it in the future.”
Taking part in the 9/11 Memorial Tribute Stair Climb held at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Palm Coast Fire Department intern and Fire Academy student Hayley Davis felt overwhelming camaraderie and support as she climbed 110 flights of stairs to complete the tribute challenge mimicking the firefighters’ trek up the World Trade Center buildings, along with 200 others on Wednesday.
“It was amazing. I did it last year, this is my second time doing it, first time with my department, and I had a really good time,” she said.
While not born before the September 11th attacks, Davis feels a sense of pride in being able to participate.
“It takes a lot of willpower, and it’s definitely an honor. It’s not easy but it’s the best job in the world. Honestly, it’s an honor (to participate). I was told last year, it kind of makes me tear up sometimes, that they’re watching us from upstairs. So, it’s kind of like a heartfelt thing.”
Cheering on participants of all ages including students from the Flagler Palm Coast High School Fire Academy, Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore says the experience is a valuable teaching tool.
“This is important for our students to participate not just in the learning that takes place in school, but for them to be able to come out and be a part of it in our community is very important to me,” she said. “I’m excited that we had a student to speak today and that we also had students that are participating in the climb.”
More than doubling the number of participants for this year’s event, memorial climb organizer Lacy Martin chalks the youth participation as a success.
“It’s absolutely the most special thing I could ask for,” said Martin. “All I ever wanted was for our future generation to not forget 9/11.”
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