Patriot Day

In observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance, first-responders, the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County, and civic leaders aim to inspire a generation too young to recall the historic events of 9/11. Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) members from Hillsborough County high schools and Junior Fire Academy graduates will lead the annual Patriot Day ceremony featuring:

• An honor guard, saber team, rifle salute, and taps
• A solemn escort of the beam: a solid 135-pound section of steel salvaged from New York's Twin Towers that resides at Veterans Memorial Park, representing the supreme sacrifices on 9/11
• A traditional fire service ringing of the bell
• HCFR Chief Jason Dougherty, Temple Terrace Fire Chief Ian Kemp, and Plant City Fire Rescue Chief David Dittman

Immediately following the ceremony, students and attendees can enjoy interactive demonstrations from active-duty military members and first responders including:

• Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR)
• MacDill Air Force Base Military Working Dogs (MWD), 6th Security Forces Squadron
• Urban Search and Rescue team (USAR 1)
• U.S. Coast Guard St. Petersburg Station
• U.S. Marine Corps 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion

The 24th Anniversary Patriot Day: 9/11 Remembrance event is free and open to the public at Veterans Memorial Park's outdoor amphitheater. Attendees are invited to enjoy the park's many memorials and assistance from Consumer & Veterans Services.

For more information on Veterans Services, visit HCFL.gov/Veterans.