Communities in Lake, Sumter and Marion counties will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with several events, including a prayer breakfast, stair climb challenge honoring first responders and a historical presentation and freedom walk.
Belleview
The City of Belleview is hosting its annual Freedom Walk at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Belleview Community Center, 5615 SE 110th Place.
City and state officials including Mayor Christine Dobkowski, state Rep. Ryan Chamberlin and state Sen. Stan McClain will give remarks and join the community for a historical presentation highlighting the events of Sept. 11.
Attendees will be able to view and sign a book of reflection that features
a timeline of the day’s events and honors every life lost.
Robert Vass, Belleview’s community engagement liaison, said the ceremony serves as an important opportunity to preserve history for the next generation.
“Every year is a good opportunity to reflect on 9/11, but it’s human nature that when you have milestones, it intensifies that emotion behind an event,” Vass said. “I created the book with information from online resources including the 9/11 Memorial in New York and 9/11 reports. We will store it in our office here in city hall and bring it out every year for additional signatures as long as there is space.”
At the end of the event, weather permitting, people can walk about a half-mile through Lake Lillian Park as part of the annual Freedom Walk, a tradition that has continued in the city for more than 10 years.
“September 11 completely altered the history of the world, not just the country,” Vass said. “We are still feeling the ramifications and there was a true human loss. In the shadow of horrific events, it’s important to look for glimmers of hope that occurred like heroism of first responders who ran to danger not away from it and the civilians who helped their neighbors. Events like this are a good way to counterbalance by allowing the public to reflect on the negative while honoring the positive.”
Oxford
Officers from the Wildwood Police Department and Sumter County residents will honor the first responders who climbed the 110 stories of the World Trade Center during 9/11 with a five-minute stair stepping challenge.
The fourth annual 9/11 Stair Climb will start at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at The Iron Village, 4059 Thomas St., Oxford.
Luke Elder, co-owner of the gym and a Wildwood police officer, said the event has become a staple in the community.
“We’re fortunate to have so many dedicated law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and other first responders here in Sumter County,” Elder said. “This is our way of showing them that their service and sacrifices don’t go unnoticed, and that our community truly appreciates what they do.”
The Iron Village also currently is hosting a First Responder Appreciation Month, during which first responders who join the gym will pay $9.11 the first first month and then $40 the following months.
Elder said, as someone who currently serves in law enforcement, supporting other first responders hits close to home for staff at The Iron Village.
“The goal of our First Responder Appreciation Month is to give back to the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving others,” he said. “We want to make it easier for local first responders to prioritize their own health and fitness while giving them a place where they feel supported and appreciated.
Registration for the 9/11 Stair Climb must be completed before 7 p.m. Thursday. To receive a free T-shirt the day of the event, registration needs to be completed before Wednesday.
For more information about the event, visit theironvillage.com.
Leesburg
The City of Leesburg is offering a full day of observance with its seventh annual 9/11 Patriot Day Prayer Breakfast and the Discover Leesburg: A Special September 11th Commemoration event.
First Baptist Church of Leesburg will host the 9/11 Patriot Day Prayer Breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Venetian Center, 1 Dozier Court Leesburg. The event, which honors Leesburg’s police and fire departments, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, will include prayer, breakfast and a guest speaker.
Dr. Kevin Elko, a sports psychologist who has worked with organizations that were directly affected by 9/11, will be the breakfast’s guest speaker.
The cost of the breakfast is $20, with tickets available for purchase at 911patriot.org.
The community celebration will continue with the Discover Leesburg: A Special September 11th Commemoration at 6 p.m. in front of Leesburg City Hall, 501 W Meadow St., Leesburg.
The city and The Great Chicago Fire Brewery will host the event, which will include a special presentation from singer Stephanie Stone, musician Nathan Leslie and Ken Bragg, founder of Lake Technical College. Later, there also will be live music from Ray Nichols.
The event will also include a special edition of the monthly Discover Leesburg, a community market that takes place the second Friday of every month.
“It’s an important part of history and with the 25th anniversary, it’s important to come together for a day of remembrance,” said Maggie Lyden, Leesburg special events manager. “We should always be aware and appreciate what our first responders do daily without knowing what the day will bring.”
For more information about the event, visit leesburgflorida.gov.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
