Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The City of Clermont hosted the 23rd Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, September 11th at the Clermont Arts and Recreation facility on South US-27 with opening remarks from Fire Chief David Ezell.
The annual tradition marks the date of the worst terrorist attack on United States soil in the history of the country’s 248 years of existence. The attack began on September 11, 2001, at 8:46 m in New York City, New York, at the World Trade Center, then the Pentagon Building in Washington D.C. at 9:37 am and finally the rural hills of Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:07 am. This day would end with four airplane crashes and 2,996 people killed including first responders and innocent civilian victims who were simply carrying on their day-to-day lives. Thousands of first responders and site workers who helped search and clear the sites in the days, weeks and months afterward have since perished due to illnesses directly related to the toxins and carcinogens of the crash sites.
Chief Ezell explained the history of the ceremonial fire bell at firefighter funerals or memorial services. “The tradition of a tolling bell would signal the beginning of the day’s shift, a tocsin bell would rouse firefighters to respond to a fire alarm, and when the fire was finally extinguished, a bell would ring to indicate the completion of that call and a return to the station. The bell would ring three times if a comrade had been killed in the line of duty during the call. Today we utilize these traditions and symbols as a way to honor and respect those that have given so much and served so well and to symbolize the devotion that these brave men and women have had for their duties,” says Ezell.
Police Chief Chuck Broadway, who was a New York City police officer at the time, recalls and describes for the audience the heroic actions of the police officers, firefighters, EMT’s and paramedics on that morning and every morning across the nation, including Clermont and Lake County. “These heroes across the nation take daily to serve and protect their respective communities and jurisdictions. Ceremonies like today demonstrate and remind us that we will never forget. It is more than a hashtag or slogan but a commitment to honor, remember and commemorate all our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those who have passed and are still dying every single year due to being exposed to dangerous toxins,” says Broadway.
Mayor Tim Murry conveyed the importance of remembering those who have given so much to our country daily. “How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity. Those words come from one of my favorite bible scriptures, Psalm 133:1 and I try to carry that scripture with me every day. The scripture reminds me of the importance of compassion, unity and solidarity in the face of tragedy and adversity. The memories and actions of the men and women on that day will forever be etched into our memories as one of America’s darkest moments. It is an honor and pleasure for me to stand side by side with such esteemed guests and visitors who are here today as we come together in Clermont to honor 9/11 victims once again. This is a day that unifies our nation in grief and resolve and reminds all of us of the strength and resilience of the United States of America,” says Murry.
Guest speaker Walter Lynch, a native of Rockaway Beach, New York, began his law enforcement career in 1986 as a New York City patrol officer and quickly advanced to the rank of Detective- 1st Grade. Lynch recalls his memories of that morning in New York City as a homicide investigator. While home with his children and preparing for work, Lynch recalled seeing on the news the first tower that was struck by a jet plane. While trying to make sense of the grim television view, Lynch observed live, the second tower being struck by yet another commercial jetliner. While trying to maintain composure, Lynch explains how his day would lead him to the World Trade Center site and the horrific sites that he would see way into the night. “As time went on, our shifts turned into 12-hour shifts, 6-6 each day but a normal day went from 12 hours to 14 hours with no days off at all. I was eventually assigned to the pile looking for signs of life while painstakingly being part of a bucket brigade that would bring 5-gallon buckets of debris out of the pile one bucket at a time until the heavy equipment arrived.”
Guest speaker Rob Corbett joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in 1997 and on September 11, 2001, was assigned to the 28th Precinct in Harlem. Corbett was on his way to court on the morning of September 11th when he observed the horrific scene in Lower Manhattan unfolding. Corbett immediately began to offer aid and search for survivors. He remained on scene for several days as the efforts sadly turned from search and rescue to search and recovery. Corbett was later assigned to the New York City Police Commissioner’s Office for the specific task of developing, creating, and implementing an intense security plan for the federal trials against the five terrorists charged with masterminding the 9/11 attacks. Corbett retired as a lieutenant in 2022 after serving 25 years with the NYPD and is currently a member of the Clermont Police Department.
Clermont’s Public Safety Fire and Police Honor Guard, U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, and the Retired Public Safety City of Mount Dora Pipes and Drums Team presented and retired colors. Memorial traditions including a 21-gun salute, the playing of “Taps” and “Amazing Grace” concluded the ceremony outdoors as a City of Clermont fire engine dressed in a large United States of America flag adorned the backdrop.
Sonny’s BBQ of Clermont, a long-time sponsor of the annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, provided a reception and lunch following the ceremony.
The 9/11 Memorial Ceremony in Clermont is held each year on September 11th. Visit www.911Memorial.org for further information regarding the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
