SPRING HILL, Sunday, September 11, 2016– On September 11, 2001 nearly 3,000 people were killed in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania in the deadliest terror attack in US history. Today marks the 15th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.
Many of the first responders of September 11 are now retired. A number of retired firefighters from New York City now call Spring Hill, Florida home and are members of The FDNY Retired Firefighters of Spring Hill, FL – Chapter 343.
The FDNY Retired Firefighters of Spring Hill, FL – Chapter 343 organized a commemoration outside of VFW Post 10209 in Spring Hill to pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9-11. Many members of local Fire and Police Departments were also in attendance.
The free event was open to the public and began at 10 A.M. Approximately 200 people attended.
The services included the singing of the national anthem, a presentation of wreaths, playing of bag pipes, and a 21 Gun Salute. Perhaps the most moving of the day’s events was the Ringing of the Bell ceremony which is used to mourn firefighters who died in the line of duty. Historically the bell has signaled the beginning and end of a firefighter’s shift. The toll of the bell in ceremony solemnly announces a fallen comrade’s last alarm.
John Palamaro, a retired firefighter from Woodhaven, Queens, New York, was on the job on September 11th, 2001 and present at today’s event. “I lost a lot of good friends… It’s just bad memories as far as that goes, but a lot of good ones too,” Palamaro said.
