The event marks the quarter-century mark of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which claimed 2,977 lives, including 343 members of the Fire Department of New York and 73 law enforcement officers.
“Twenty-five years later, we remain committed to honoring the lives lost on September 11 and the first responders who answered the call that day,” said Milton Fire Chief John E. Reble in a news release. Reble also serves as president of the Santa Rosa County Firefighters’ Association. “We invite our community to join us as we remember their sacrifice and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.”
The ceremony will feature local fire departments and law enforcement agencies and will include:
- Introduction by Chief John Reble
- Prayer by Chaplain Steve Warren
- Presentation of Colors by the Santa Rosa County Firefighters’ Association Honor Guard and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard
- National Anthem and flyover
- Four 5’s Bell Ceremony
- Rifle salute
- Taps
- “Amazing Grace” performed by a vanishing piper
- Retirement of the Colors
Fire trucks and emergency vehicles will be on display before the ceremony. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
The ceremony will precede the regularly scheduled Bands on the Blackwater concert series that usually begins at 7 p.m.
