The message delivered at the September 11 remembrance ceremony at the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History rang loud and clear – “Never Forget.”
FDNY first responders, local leaders, a special forces combat veteran and a Gold Star Mother took part in the ceremony recalling what that fate fateful meant to their lives.
“We all remember that day, it’s been 23 years and it’s amazing that time has gone by,” said Museum President Cliff Moffitt. “Most of us remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news. It’s our Pearl Harbor. We need keep on remembering and what could be again it we don’t pay attention. We can never forget.”
Stephen Spelman, an EMT with the FDNY for 24 years who responded to the World Trade Center when calls started coming in, told the crowd at the museum about his experiences at Ground Zero and his life since the tragedy.
“We saw the worst of humanity and the best of humanity in a very short time,” said Spelman, who displayed a commemorative piece of a ladder truck that was recovered from the debris. “We came over the bridge and saw both towers in flames. We heard our own people on our radios screaming for help and some screaming for their lives.
“We were met with 100s of people running toward us asking for help. We looked up and saw jumpers, jumping for their lives. People were running in to help us. Usually, you’re the one to help people. It was very humbling.”
Zephyrhills City Councilman City Councilman Steve Spina, who was instrumental in restoring the historic World War II barracks that now is the home of the museum, said the events of September 11 are etched in our memory.
“That day we lost 2,996 innocent souls. We remember them today. We also remember the brave passengers aboard Flight 93 who made the ultimate sacrifice to divert their aircraft from its intended target. While events like these are a national event, it is important to learn the personal stories. Each of those individuals had a life, family and loved ones. For many, that day was more than a historical event, but a about a very personal loss.”
In addition, other speakers were State Senator Jay Collins, an Army Special Forces combat vet, LTC (Ret) Perry Blackburn, a Green Beret who served in Afghanistan and Gold Star Mother Holly Stoudacher of Wisconsin, who lost her son serving in Afghanistan.
The American Flag was dropped in from Skydivers at Skydive City and the National Anthem was delivered by Rod Rehrig.