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World Trade Center

78 floors up, blind man and guide dog survive 9/11

March 4, 2020 By Brian Fernandes

Michael Hingson felt a sense of calmness as he walked floor by floor — exiting the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Hingson has been blind since birth and he, with his former guide dog, Roselle, had to work as a team to find their way to safety.

Hingson, the author of “Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog and the Triumph of Trust,” recently shared his story at Saint Leo University.

Michael Hingson has been blind all his life and is a 9/11 survivor. He shared his life story at Saint Leo University, on Feb. 19. (Mary Rathman)

He was accompanied by his current guide dog, Alamo.

During his talk, Hingson detailed what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, but also shared experiences from throughout his life that gave him the instincts to survive that devastating day.

On 9/11, Hingson said he and his business partner, David Frank, were working for the Artecon corporation on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center’s North Tower.

As they prepared for an important presentation, Hingson said, “suddenly we heard a muffled explosion, the building shook.

“Then it began to tip. We moved about 20 feet, I think,” he said.

Frank began shouting for everyone to leave the office, imploring Hingson to come along.

Hingson, and his guide dog, Roselle, evacuated with everyone.

Hingson remained calm and tried to assure Frank to do the same.

He said he was able to contain his emotions because he previously had developed a mindset that kicked in automatically.

Before the day of the attacks, he said: “I kept thinking almost every day I went in, ‘What if there’s an emergency today? What do I do?’

So, when he had to suddenly leave the building, he said, “I was prepared.”

As people descended the stairs, Hingson noticed a familiar smell – jet fuel.

He had not yet learned that a commercial airplane had slammed into the North Tower, just floors above his office.

The South Tower had already been hit by a second plane when Hingson and others exited from the North Tower.

Alamo is the guide dog for Michael Hingson, who is blind. The canine tagged along as Hingson shared his life story at Saint Leo University.

He and his business partner were still in the vicinity when the South Tower began collapsing.

“As I started to run, the first thought I had in my brain was: ‘God I can’t believe that you got us out of a building just to have it fall on us.’

“I heard a voice that said, ‘Don’t worry about what you can’t control. Focus on running with Roselle and the rest will take care of its self.’”

With the assistance of his guide dog, Hingson found shelter in a subway station — where he found others who had gone underground to keep safe.

They were escorted out by a police officer and Hingson was later reunited with his wife, Karen.

Hingson told the audience that his ability to navigate through the world — even though he is blind — began when he was just a little boy.

“I was born two months premature and was put in an incubator,” Hingson said, explaining that a pure oxygen environment can cause blindness.

When he was four months old, his aunt noticed he wasn’t reacting to sunlight.

The doctor confirmed the baby was blind and said nothing could be done.

The doctor went on to tell Hingson’s parents that the infant wouldn’t amount to anything and should be placed in a special home.

But, his parents didn’t accept that prediction.

They believed their son could live a productive and successful life.

Their attitude was: “Blindness isn’t going to be the problem,” Hingson said, and that made all of the difference.

Stephen Spelman, left, and Michael Hingson are 9/11 survivors who escaped Ground Zero in New York. As a blind man, Hingson was able to exit the North Tower of the World Trade Center with the help of his dog, Roselle.

When he was 5, the family moved from Chicago to California.

He began to learn braille in kindergarten and his parents got him a braille writing machine.

They also gave him freedom to go outdoors, like his older brother, Ellery.

Even though Hingson was blind, he frequently walked to the candy store, and rode his bike on his own, he recalled.

“It wasn’t even scary for me,” he said. “What it did teach me though, was how to be aware of my surroundings.”

Neighbors, however, would express concern about his safety.

But, Hingson said he didn’t want to be treated differently from other kids.

The issue, Hingson said, is people’s misconception that “eyesight is the only game in town.”

When he was 14, he received his first guide dog – a golden retriever.

He developed an interest for electronics and magnetism, which led to a master’s degree in physics, at the University of California-Irvine.

During his career, he sold machines that could read print to the blind.

He also sold data entry machines to companies, lawyers and banks, too.

He joined The National Federation of the Blind, advocating for civil rights.

And, he married.

While working for the Artecon corporation, Hingson was transferred to New York where he opened up another branch.

That is why he was working in the North Tower of the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, when it was struck by a commercial airliner that had been hijacked by terrorists.

The 9/11 terror attack involved a total of four commercial airliners. Two were crashed into the Twin Towers, another was crashed into the Pentagon and a fourth never reached its intended target because it was forced down by its crew and passengers in a field outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks caused a total of 2,977 fatalities.

But, Hingson and his guide dog, Roselle, made it out.

Hingson appreciates the teamwork between him and Roselle that led to their survival. He thinks so highly of Roselle, who has since died, that he dedicated his book to the dog.

“When I work with a guide dog, it’s all about creating a team. It’s all about all of us working together to accomplish a task,” said Hingson, who travels across the country, to share his experiences.

While he appreciates the bond that he has shared with his guide dogs, Hingson reminded the crowd that people can experience special bonds, too.

“We each have to show each other how we add value to what the other does,” Hingson said.

Published March 4, 2020

Filed Under: Local News, People Profiles Tagged With: 9/11, Artecon, David Frank, Michael Hingson, Pentagon, Saint Leo University, Shanksville, Twin Towers, World Trade Center

9/11 responder shares his story and a gift

September 18, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Stephen Spelman rushed to Ground Zero as a first responder, but quickly found himself trying to outrun the overwhelming cloud of dust as The World Trade Center’s North Tower began to collapse.

Eighteen years later – to the day – Spelman shared the story of the daunting experience he had on Sept. 11, 2001.

Spelman, who now lives in Wesley Chapel, was the featured speaker at a North Tampa Bay Chamber luncheon on Sept. 11, at the Fox Hollow Golf Club in Trinity.

Stephen Spelman, left, his wife Fainery, and 10-year-old son, Mathew, pose for a picture before the start of the 9/11 Memorial dedication ceremony at the Tampa Premium Outlets. Spelman donated a piece of metal from a fire truck that was at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001. (Christine Holtzman)

The commemorative event was also an unprecedented moment for him.

“I’ve never spoken on 9/11,” he said. “I never thought my story was significant enough.”

For 24 years, Spelman worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and served the New York City Fire Department’s Battalion 46 in Queens.

In 1995, he became an instructor for the department – training firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and fire marshals.

On Sept. 11, 2001, he was teaching a class when he got word that a plane had crashed into The World Trade Center’s South Tower.

He recalled: “As we were watching it on TV, the second plane hit, and we knew it was definitely a terrorist act. We had to go.”

He grabbed his gear, including a bulletproof vest, and rushed out.

Spelman, another EMT and two paramedics, left their station in Queens and headed to lower Manhattan.

“Coming across the Kosciuszko Bridge from Queens into Brooklyn, we could see the South Tower and the North Tower burning – a very somber moment,” he said.

By the time they reached Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the South Tower had completely collapsed.

Before the tower tumbled down, first responders were heard on radios calling for help, Spelman said.

“It was just pretty horrifying, if you could imagine, knowing that your brothers and your sisters there are the ones being hurt, and they can’t get help,” he said.

Continuing toward Ground Zero, the crew made detours to get around heavy traffic congestion.

When they got there, Spelman and his partner headed toward the North Tower, tending first to those with the most severe medical needs.

Spelman joined other firefighters searching for survivors in debris-covered vehicles.

They had to proceed with caution, as people above were jumping out of the North Tower.

That search was cut short though, Spelman said, when “all of a sudden, we hear the rumble.

“Everything was shaking. I looked up and we heard the thumping – the boom, boom, boom. What we found out later, they were floors stacking on each other. It was surreal.”

The collapse of the North Tower sent those in the area running.

Spelman ran north, while several of his search crew headed east. He survived. They did not.

Later that evening, Spelman, along with 14 other firefighters, formed a search party to find comrades that they knew were missing. That search was cut short, however, because of the ongoing dangers.

As time went on, more of the deceased were found – sometimes only the remnants of firefighter gear.

“It was just unfathomable,” Spelman said. “You could not imagine that this would really [have] been a reality. We lost 343 firefighters, paramedics and a priest – Father Mychal Judge.”

Spelman told the audience that he struggled with survivor’s guilt for years.

He found solace, he said, in reuniting with the same 14 firefighters that he went on the search party with that Sept. 11 evening. All 15, later, got tattoos with the engraving: “The Band of Brothers.”

Even on that horrific day, Spelman said he witnessed the goodness of humanity.

“I’ve seen some heroic things there that were unbelievable by everybody – civilians alike,” he stated. “It was amazing to see all the civilians running back to help us. We were all a family that day.”

As a result of 9/11, Spelman said he had to endure health issues, including a pre-cancerous condition.

He commended comedian Jon Stewart’s advocacy for 9/11 responders to continue receiving coverage.

Legislation passed this summer, grants extended coverage to responders who became ill as a result of Sept. 11, 2001.

Spelman said he struggled to process the trauma of that day.

He said he finally decided that doing something positive for others was the only way he could.

Recently, he donated a gift that became part of Pasco County’s first permanent 9/11 memorial, that was unveiled on Sept. 7 at Tampa Premium Outlets in Wesley Chapel.

His gift was a fragment of Ladder 18, taken from a fire engine that was at Ground Zero.

Spelman said the piece is now displayed on a wall, which is situated near gum ball and soda machines.

It’s a convenient location, he said, for younger generations to view it, ask what it represents and gain a better understanding of the nation’s history.

Published September 18, 2019

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: 9/11, Fox Hollow Golf Club, Ground Zero, New York City Fire Department Battalion 46, North Tampa Bay Chamber, Stephen Spelman, World Trade Center

Remembering the fallen of 9/11

September 18, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Danny Burgess, the executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs, speaks to a large crowd gathered for the 9/11 memorial at Zephyr Park. In his moving speech, Burgess said that 9/11 mobilized a generation to stand up and make a difference. (Christine Holtzman)

The morning of Sept. 11 was marked by a 9/11 memorial at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The service featured remarks from members of U.S. Marine Corps Detachment 1124, which bears the name of Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin, a first responder who perished in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on the morning of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield, and Danny Burgess, who serves as the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, offered remarks.

The Zephyrhills High School JROTC Color Guard presented and retired the colors, and the VFW Post 8154 Honor Guard performed a rifle salute to honor those who perished on 9/11.

Published September 18, 2019

Under the direction of Senior Army Instructor 1st Sgt. Jimmy McAuley, the Zephyrhills High School JROTC Color Guard presents the colors as Rod Rehrig (by podium), salutes. Rehrig is the past commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1124.
The VFW Post 8154 Honor Guard performs a rifle salute to the fallen during the 9/11 memorial at Zephyr Park on the morning of Sept. 11.

Filed Under: Local News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: 9/11, Danny Burgess, Fifth Avenue, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Gene Whitfield, Michael S. Curtin, U.S. Marine Corps Detachment 1124, VFW Post 8154, World Trade Center, Zephyr Park, Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills High School JROTC Color Guard

Zephyrhills to remember fallen of 9/11

September 4, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

As commemoration ceremonies take place across America to honor the victims of Sept. 11, Zephyrhills, too, will host its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.

The public event will begin at 11 a.m., and is expected to last an hour.

Zephyr Park will host this year’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to honor the victims of Sept. 11, 2001. (File)

Marine Corps League Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin Detachment 1124 will host the event.

The league is named after a fallen first responder at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Rodney Rehrig, of the club, will be the master of ceremonies – conducting the memorial service.

The Zephyrhills High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) will display flags as they post the colors.

And, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Honor Guard will perform the ceremony’s rifle salute.

Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield and Danny Burgess, executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs will offer remarks during the commemoration.

Spectators will be able to play a role by saluting the flags, singing the American national anthem, and mingling with those who have served the nation.

The event will be at Zephyr Park at 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

For additional information, call Rodney Rehrig at (813) 481-0718, or email him at .

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills
When: Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free
Details: The Star Spangled Banner will be sung and various organizations will perform ceremonial salutes to the victims of Sept. 11, 2001. Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield and Danny Burgess, executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs, will be the day’s guest speakers.
Info: Contact Rodney Rehrig at (813) 481-0718 or .

Published September 04, 2019

Filed Under: Local News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: 9/11, Danny Burgess, Fifth Avenue, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Gene Whitfield, Marine Corps League Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin Detachment 1124, Rodney Rehrig, Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard, World Trade Center, Zephyr Park, Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills High School Junior Reserve Office Training Corps

Honoring the anniversary of September 11

September 19, 2018 By Brian Fernandes

Flag-wavers held their flags high, as drivers passing by on U.S. 41 honked their horns in support.

The red, white and blue draped with stars has always symbolized America, but on this particular Tuesday, it held a much more significant meaning. It was 17 years to the day of the 9/11 attacks.

Local members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, and other members of the community, stood outside the Old Lutz School, flags in hand, to commemorate the lives lost that horrific day.

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, among others, came out front of the Old Lutz School to hold American flags high in remembrance of 9/11. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

They, like others in the country, paused to reflect and show gratitude to heroes past, and those still present.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001 changed the way of life in America.

On that morning, 19 men hijacked four U.S. commercial airplanes, crashing them into the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  A total of 2,977 people were killed in the attacks orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, according to national reports.

The aftermath left many with long-term effects, both physical and emotional.

“In 2002, we started this because we wanted to remember,” said Pat Serio, coordinator of the event. “We wanted to share our patriotism and support.”

Serio, like others, knows exactly where she was when she first heard of the attacks.

She was at home watching the news when regular broadcasting was interrupted by the flowing smoke from the World Trade Center.

Her initial reaction was: ““It has to be an aviation problem,” she recalled.

Not long after, Serio came to find out that the country was under attack.

“As a (native) New Yorker, I felt the impact,” Serio added.

Dee Knerr, who also took part in the flag-waving tribute, said she was scheduled to fly back to Florida on Sept.11, after visiting family in Ohio.

“I was scheduled to fly home that afternoon, getting ready to go to the airport,” said Knerr. “Of course, all the flights were cancelled.”

After working 40 years at the Lutz Post Office, Knerr is now retired and dedicates her time to the woman’s club.

Besides remembering the lives that were lost on Sept. 11, the tribute was also intended to honor American troops, law enforcement and firefighters.

“They put their lives out there every day for us,” said Knerr. “I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart.”

Ben Nevel, a member of the Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building, also took part in the tribute.

“We all need to stand together,” said Nevel, a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Another member of the crowd was Linda Mitchell, a Lutz native and retired teacher.

She recalled being conflicted, as the news broke about the terrorist attacks.

She decided not to show the news coverage in her class.

“It was hard being a teacher during that day,” she said. “We wanted to know as citizens what was going on, but we were protecting our students.”

Before retirement, she had the opportunity to teach children who were born after 9/11.

She said there was a stark contrast between how students who lived during the incident perceived it, and those who came after.

The memorial also came as something personal for Mitchell, as both her husband and son serve as Hillsborough County firefighters.

In waving their flags, the men and women gathered in front of the Old Lutz School were reminding those passing by about the need to remember the fallen, and to express gratitude for the men and women who continue to put themselves in harm’s way, whether they are wearing military uniforms, or serving as first responders.

Published September 19, 2018

Filed Under: Land O' Lakes News, Local News, Lutz News Tagged With: 9/11, al Qaeda, Ben Nevel, Dee Knerr, GFWC Lutz-Land O' Lakes Woman's Club, Linda Mitchell, Lutz Post Office, Old Lutz School, Osama Bin Laden, Pat Serio, Pentagon, Shanksville, Twin Towers, Vietnam War, World Trade Center

Local 9/11 service honors and celebrates first responders

September 14, 2016 By B.C. Manion

As the nation paused to remember the lives lost in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks 15 years ago this year, Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel had a special service to celebrate and honor the community’s first responders.

Pastor Scott Lindner presents Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Sarah Walker and Sgt. Sam Pepenella to the congregation at the end of the service. They are assigned to District 2, which includes Wesley Chapel, Lutz and Land O'Lakes. (Richard K. Riley/Photos)
Pastor Scott Lindner presents Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Sarah Walker and Sgt. Sam Pepenella to the congregation at the end of the service. They are assigned to District 2, which includes Wesley Chapel, Lutz and Land O’Lakes.
(Richard K. Riley/Photos)

The church, at 29617 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, held a 10 a.m. service to celebrate and honor the community’s local police officers, fire and rescue first responders.

The church also provided a meal for all guests, and took its hospitality a step further by delivering meals to first responders on duty at area fire stations and sheriff’s department stations serving Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Land O’ Lakes and Lutz.

The church also remembered four-legged first responders by providing special treats for them.

On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

The attacks resulted in more than 3,000 deaths, including more than 400 police officers and firefighters.

The special service at Atonement Lutheran Church was an expression of gratitude for the work that first responders do every day to serve the community, according to a release announcing the event.

Published September 14, 2016

This sign in the church lobby, created by young Sunday School students at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, expresses gratitude for first responders. It was posted to welcome members of the local fire and police stations to a special 9/11 service at the church.
This sign in the church lobby, created by young Sunday School students at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, expresses gratitude for first responders. It was posted to welcome members of the local fire and police stations to a special 9/11 service at the church.
These Boy Scouts, listening here, served as an honor guard — posting the American Flag — before and after the service.
These Boy Scouts, listening here, served as an honor guard — posting the American Flag — before and after the service.

 

 

Filed Under: Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News Tagged With: Atonement Lutheran Church, Dade City, Land O' Lakes, Lutz, New York City, Pennsylvania, Pentagon, State Road 54, Washington D.C., Wesley Chapel, World Trade Center, Zephyrhills

Solemn service marks 9/11

September 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Sept. 11, 2001 is a day people remember for the ordinary details of life — and then the shattering horror of two hijacked planes flying into the World Trade Center in New York.

Hijacked planes also struck the Pentagon building, and crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Veteran Bill Hansberger of American Legion Post 118, left, wipes his eyes at the memorial service at Zephyr Park honoring the victims of 9/11. Next to him are fellow post members, George Hansen, Keith Holz and Gil Shepard, far right, of the Marine Corp League’s Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin Detachment #1124. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Veteran Bill Hansberger of American Legion Post 118, left, wipes his eyes at the memorial service at Zephyr Park honoring the victims of 9/11. Next to him are fellow post members, George Hansen, Keith Holz and Gil Shepard, far right, of the Marine Corp League’s Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Curtin Detachment #1124.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

Those acts of terror cost 2,606 people their lives in the Twin Towers. Another 246 died in the four planes, including 19 terrorists. And 125 people died at the Pentagon.

On the 14th anniversary of 9/11, communities across the nation held thousands of memorial services to honor the victims who died — including first responders, who risked and lost their lives to save others.

About 50 people gathered at Zephyr Park in Zephyrhills for a solemn ceremony — “We Remember: 9/11 Memorial Service.” The Marine Corps League, Sgt. Maj. Michael Curtin, Detachment 1124 sponsored the event.

Curtin was a first responder with the New York City Police Department who died while saving lives at the World Trade Center.

“An attack of this magnitude, it calls for heroes, doesn’t it?” said Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield. “It calls for people to step up and go in where no else wants to go. These folks that went in these towers were heroes.”

VFW Post 8154 Honor Guard bugler Jerry Morel, 82, sounds taps during Zephyrhills’ ‘We Remember: 9/11 Memorial Service.’
VFW Post 8154 Honor Guard bugler Jerry Morel, 82, sounds taps during Zephyrhills’ ‘We Remember: 9/11 Memorial Service.’

Whitfield recalled that 9/11 was not Curtin’s first encounter with terrorism. In 1993, Curtin was with the NYPD’s first response team at the first World Trade Center bombing.

Two years later, Curtin went with a team of New York police officers to Oklahoma after Timothy McVeigh’s bomb exploded at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

“His history of service has said it all,” Whitfield said.

After a moment of silence, an honor guard fired a 21-gun salute, and 82-year-old Jerry Morel blew taps on the bugle.

Everyone can recall memories of a day that began with the steady thrum of normalcy.

Zephyrhills’ resident Meaghan Sammons drove to a local home improvement store to buy roof nails requested by her job supervisor.

Meagan Sammons of Zephyrhills and her son, Heath Sammons, 11, a Boys Scout with Troop 2 watched the American flag billowing in the wind as it flew at half-staff to honor those who died on 9/11.
Meagan Sammons of Zephyrhills and her son, Heath Sammons, 11, a Boys Scout with Troop 2 watched the American flag billowing in the wind as it flew at half-staff to honor those who died on 9/11.

When she got back, everyone was gathered around a television. Her first thoughts were of her father who drove a delivery truck near the World Trade Center.

“I tried to call him and I couldn’t get him,” she said. “You are numb. It didn’t hit right away, until you saw the second building coming down and the aftermath.”

She finally reached her father who had left the area before the attack.

Sammons brought her 11-year-old son Heath to the memorial service. He wore his Boy Scout uniform.

She wanted to honor the day and share in a moment of unity. And she said, “If history is not taught to younger generations, it will repeat itself. I hope this never repeats itself.”

State Rep. Danny Burgess was in the 10th grade on 9/11.

“This is very real. This is very raw,” he said.

But the day after, Sept. 12, also should be remembered, especially the moment when President George W. Bush called for unity as he stood on a mound of rubble at the Twin Towers, he said.

“Let’s remember that in the midst of all this, we all united. That’s what’s best about the American spirit,” Burgess said. “We saw so much love and compassion…It shouldn’t take such tragedy to pull us together as a country.”

Sal DiMartino, 92, was a medic during World War II and is a current member of the Marine Corp League’s Sgt. Maj. Michael Curtin Detachment 1124.
Sal DiMartino, 92, was a medic during World War II and is a current member of the Marine Corp League’s Sgt. Maj. Michael Curtin Detachment 1124.

World War II veteran Sal DiMartino, 92, served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marines. He got a call from his daughter in California on 9/11, telling him to turn on his television.

People need to bring back the spirit that brought the nation together in World War II, he said. “That was when you were dedicated to your fellow man.”

Rod Rehrig Sr., recalls being at work at his real estate office when he saw the events unfold, also on television.

“It was really sad,” said Rehrig, who is the commandant for Detachment #1124 of the Marine Corps League. “All those lives wasted.”

But the memorial service can offer solace, he said.

“I think we have a little more peace of mind. We’re doing something out of respect for those who died. It strengthens people,” Rehrig said.

Published September 16, 2015

Filed Under: Local News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, Danny Burgess, Gene Whitfield, George W. Bush, Jerry Morel, Meaghan Sammons, MIchael Curtin, New York, New York City Police Department, Pennsylvania, Rod Rehrig Sr., Sal DeMartino, Shanksville, The Marine Corps League, Timothy McVeigh, World Trade Center, Zephyr Park, Zephyrhills

Governor remembers 9/11 with proclamation

September 11, 2014 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s been 13 years since America woke up to the largest terrorist attack ever on its soil.

The World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., were targeted that day, as well as a third landmark thwarted by the passengers of one plane that eventually crashed in Pennsylvania.

As the nation remembers the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Gov. Rick Scott has issued a proclamation for what has become known as Patriot Day, directing all flags in the state to be flown at half staff.

The proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, the American people courageously endured the worst terrorist attack on United States soil in history, as thousands of innocent lives were tragically lost; and

WHEREAS, thirteen years later the citizens of Florida and the United States continue to mourn, and remember the men and women who perished as a result of those horrendous attacks; and

WHEREAS, we honor and pay tribute to the courageous men and women in uniform serving our country around the world, as well as the dedicated members of our law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, physicians, nurses, and other military first responders who work diligently to protect us from danger when called upon; and

WHEREAS, we remember the countless brave men and women of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom and security, and honor those who continue to serve our country everyday; and

WHEREAS, we continue to stand united as a State and as one Nation under God in our fight against terror and radicalism at home and abroad, and in defense of the freedoms we hold dear; and 

WHEREAS, individuals, organizations, and communities throughout our Country and throughout the State of Florida will gather on this thirteenth anniversary to perform acts of charity, to pray, and to comfort and support one another as they honor our Nation and the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, by joint resolution approved December 18, 2001, Public Law 107-89, the Congress of the United States designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, the Congress of the United States has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2014, as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance.  I call upon the people of our great state to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time in honor of those who were killed on September 11, 2001, in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.  I hereby direct the flags of the United States of America and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff, from sunrise to sunset, at all local and State buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida on Thursday, September 11, 2014.  Furthermore, I encourage other governmental entities, interested groups, and organizations throughout the State to display the National and State flags at half-staff in observance of Patriot Day, a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Scott later issued a statement, calling the terror attacks “one of the darkest days in the history of the United States.”

“Patriot Day is a somber reflection of the attacks and the innocent lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001,” Scott said. “I was in New York City that day, and saw the shock on everyone’s faces. On this day of remembrance, we also reflect on the sacrifice and service of our emergency personnel and first responders. We share our gratitude with them today for selflessly answering the call to help those in need.

“All of America also pauses today to thank our military service men and women. Their service and the sacrifices made by themselves and their families are the reason why we live in the greatest nation in the world.”

To read more about local Sept. 11 observances, like the 9/11 Gratitude Ride sponsored by Pasco County Choppers, check out this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, or see the online e-edition for free by clicking here.

Filed Under: Updates Tagged With: Florida, New York City, Pennsylvania, Pentagon, Rick Scott, United States, Washington D.C., World Trade Center

Bikers return to remember Sept. 11 terrorist attacks

August 28, 2014 By Michael Hinman

In their world, it might be Harley-Davidson vs. Yamaha, Honda vs. Suzuki. But when it comes to honoring those who sacrificed their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 — and giving a little something back to local first responders — there’s nothing that can keep these bikers apart.

Dan Turner, left, and his wife Cheryl address bikers in front of the Pasco County Government Center on U.S. 41 last year, ahead of their ride to honor members of Pasco County’s Fire Rescue as part of the Pasco County Choppers 9/11 Gratitude Ride. (File Photo)
Dan Turner, left, and his wife Cheryl address bikers in front of the Pasco County Government Center on U.S. 41 last year, ahead of their ride to honor members of Pasco County’s Fire Rescue as part of the Pasco County Choppers 9/11 Gratitude Ride.
(File Photo)

September is right around the corner, and with it the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people died, including more than 440 first responders who died in the collapse of the World Trade Center alone.

Local Realtor Dan Turner hasn’t forgotten what those brave men and women did that day, and he is making sure no one else does either with his fifth annual 9/11 Gratitude Ride.

Turner recruited more than 350 of his fellow motorcycle riders last year to raise $6,000 for Pasco County Fire Rescue Benevolent Fund, and he is anxious to top that this year.

“A lot of people, I think, have kind of moved on, so I’m glad we are doing it,” Turner said. “There aren’t too many events that go on anymore to remember the people, and I’m glad to see people on this ride who haven’t forgotten.”

Unlike past gratitude rides, this year’s will start and end at the Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club, 6225 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, beginning at 8 a.m. on Sept. 6. Turner will kick off the events with a brief ceremony at 9:45, and then the hundreds of bikers will head to two fire stations in Dade City and Zephyrhills, to thank the men and women there for their service.

After the ride, the festivities will resume at Quail Hollow beginning a little after noon, featuring a free concert from The Greg Billings Band, as well as food, games, vendors and more.

One of the highlights of this year’s event comes in the gratitude ride’s raffle, Turner said. A guitar is available signed by three popular metal bands of the 1980s — Great White, Winger and Slaughter. The bands, which took part in the recent Hairapalooza event in July, also signed a drumhead that will be auctioned off.

For those who like motorcycles more than rock, a $500 gift card from Harley-Davidson also is among the prizes.

“The most important thing that we want everyone to know is that it’s open to the public,” Turner said. “It doesn’t matter if you ride a bike or not. Come out and help us support our fire departments, and remember 9/11 too.”

For more information on the event, visit Facebook.com/911GratitudeRide.

If you go …
WHAT:
9/11 Gratitude Ride
WHO: Pasco County Choppers
WHERE: Quail Hollow Golf & County Club, 6225 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel
WHEN: Sept. 6, with opening ceremonies at 9:45 a.m., and afternoon events beginning just after noon
COST: Free, open to the public
INFO: Facebook.com/911GratitudeRide

Published August 27, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Filed Under: Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News Tagged With: Dan Turner, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Old Pasco Road, Pasco County Choppers, Pasco County Fire Rescue Benevolent Fund, Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club, Suzuki, Wesley Chapel, World Trade Center, Yamaha

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