Tampa Bay Observes 9/11 Anniversary

In observance of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, area groups and residents will gather at various events scheduled throughout the Tampa Bay area.

These events are in addition to observances in the:

The American Victory Ship Mariners Museum in the Channel District will host an event on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 8 to 8:45 a.m. A fire truck carrying a 9/11 flag that was flown over Ground Zero in 2010 - as well as a POW flag - will be hoisted on the ship's dock. Aboard the ship the Naval Sea Cadets will present colors, and a member of the Navy League will perform the National Anthem. A memorial wreath will be laid to rest as the MacDill Air Force Base Rifle Team fires ten rounds in observance of the anniversary. Speakers will include representatives from the Tampa Firefighters, Tampa Police Department, MacDill Air Force Base and the American Victory Ship. The free event is open to the public.

Following the Victory Ship's observance, the Tampa Firefighters Museum will host a memorial dedication at 9 a.m. Information will be presented on a memorial (unveiled in 2012) named in honor of the first responders who sacrificed so much on 9/11. Speakers include city officials, dignitaries and Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Sept. 11 also marks the Centennial celebration of Tampa Fire Station 1, home of the Firefighters Museum. The historic museum will be rededicated along with a public art banner.  

The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team will present a Patriot Day All Star Show Saturday, Sept. 10, on Tower Lake in Oldsmar. The program begins at 5 p.m. with recognition of area firefighters and law enforcement. The ski show starts at 6 p.m. There is no charge to attend and members of the team come from all over the region, including the Land O' Lakes area. The lake is right behind the Oldsmar Flea Market.

Voices United for Peace will present poetry readings, drama presentations and music at the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The free event is designed to promote world peace and to remember those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attacks. Attendees are asked to bring a candle for the closing ceremony and a three-foot piece of ribbon to help weave the "Tapestry for Peace."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Rays will also commemorate the attacks during their home games Sunday: The Rays play the Boston Red Sox at 1:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field. The first 10,000 kids 14 and younger will get a free Rays fire helmet. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play the Detroit Lions at 1 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium. The Glazer Family Foundation and Support the Troops Inc. will hold a military supply drive from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside the stadium. Fans are asked to consider bringing coffee, hygiene items, nonperishable food and new or slightly used CDs or DVDs to donate to U.S. troops serving abroad.