Annual 9/11 Memorial in Land O' Lakes Teaches New Generations

Annual 9/11 Memorial in Land O' Lakes

• 🇺🇸 This year marks 24 years since the deadly September 11th terror attacks, commemorated by nearly 3,000 placards in Land O' Lakes.
• 📍 Each placard bears the name of a life lost on 9/11, collectively forming a giant American flag on a patch of grass outside Harvester Community Church.

Community Involvement and Education

• 🤝 Volunteers of all ages, including veterans and school children, participate in placing the placards.
• 📚 The purpose is to involve the community and educate younger generations, especially teachers and students born after 9/11, about the day's meaning.
• 💡 The annual memorial serves as an effort to ensure the promise of "never forget" is kept alive.

Researching and Connecting with Victims

• 🧑‍🏫 Christy Verie's nonprofit, Learn and Serve Tampa, has students research the lives behind each name, writing letters or narratives about them.
• 🌟 This initiative allows students to connect with the individuals they are honoring, going beyond simple remembrance.

Learning from Young People

• 👨‍🏫 Commander Don Hins of American Legion Post 108 finds it inspiring to see young people learning about the impact of that tragic day.
• 🧒 Groups like the Sea Cadets, Boy Scouts, and Civil Air Patrol are involved, showing a desire to learn among the youth.

Memorial Display and Public Access

• 🗓️ The memorial will remain on display until September 13th, inviting the community to walk through and reflect.
• 🏫 Local schools are planning field trips to visit the memorial.
• 🕯️ A special public ceremony will be held on the evening of September 11th at 6:30 PM at Harvester Community Church.