USF commemorates 24th anniversary of 9/11 with campus ceremony

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus honored the lives lost and the bravery of first responders during a September 11 commemorative ceremony, marking the 24th anniversary of the attacks.

The observance began with a 21-gun salute by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and the playing of Taps by the United States Marine Corps. The remembrance program in the Student Center Ballroom featured music, reflections, and moments of solemn tribute.

Carlos Moreira, director of campus engagement for veteran success and alumni affairs and organizer of the ceremony, emphasized the continued importance of remembrance. "We will never forget the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001, by those who bravely did their duty to try to rescue as many people as they could," Moreira said. "We also want to honor those who continue to serve and protect us."

The program included welcome remarks from Moreira; a Color Guard from the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, Tampa; the National Anthem sung by Alexandra Bennettson of Saint Stephen's Episcopal School; a wreath placement; a thirty-second moment of silence with bell ringing; remarks from Richard Sellwood, SVP/Chief Operating Officer of USF Credit Union; and remarks from Interim Regional Chancellor Brett E. Kemker. Musical tributes included Braden River Brass, bagpiper Ross Allen, Sergeant Major Enrique E. Alvarez performing "Old Glory," and a performance of "God Bless America" and the U.S. Military Medley by students from Saint Stephen's Episcopal School.

"This ceremony is a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged from one of our nation's darkest days," said Brett E. Kemker, interim regional chancellor of USF Sarasota-Manatee. "We gather not only to honor the lives lost, but to recognize the courage of those who responded and the strength of those who continue to serve."

Interim Regional Chancellor Brett E. Kemker reflected on the lasting impact of September 11. "What unfolded in the days and weeks that followed ran the gamut from sadness and grieving, of course," Kemker said. "But also an atmosphere began to evolve where strangers connected, where people offered support and kindness to others, where families helped one another, and where American flags were flown on youth soccer fields, from the back of pickup trucks, and at people's homes."

In the days leading up to the ceremony, volunteers planted 2,997 American flags in the campus courtyard, one for each life lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and near Shanksville, Pa. Volunteers included members of the Office of Veteran Success from USF St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee, and Tampa campuses, the Tidewell Foundation, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and USF students from the Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter Program, along with many veterans and first responders in the local community.

The flag display and the ceremony served as a reminder of the nation's resilience and the enduring spirit of service. As Moreira noted, gatherings like this ensure the memory of 9/11 lives on while inspiring future generations to honor sacrifice, unity, and community, a legacy carried forward by the students, military personnel, and volunteers who came together this week.

Photography by Kim McDonald, University Communications and Marketing