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.
(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
