Treasure Coast Communities Unite to Honor 9/11 Victims and First Responders
As the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks approaches, law enforcement agencies and community groups across the Treasure Coast are preparing to pay tribute. From Vero Beach to Palm City, a series of memorial events, bridge walks, and ceremonies have been organized to honor the innocent lives lost and the unparalleled bravery of our first responders. Whether you are a resident of Indian River, St. Lucie, or Martin County, there are several local opportunities to gather in reflection and unity.
The upcoming events across the Treasure Coast aim to honor the victims of the attacks and recognize the courage and sacrifice of local and national first responders who responded to the tragedy.
Indian River County Remembrances
Here in the immediate Indian River County area, the community will come together for a special morning tribute focused on remembrance and gratitude.
- What: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony hosted by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. This community-wide event is dedicated to honoring the victims of the attacks while recognizing the profound courage and sacrifice of the first responders who rushed into danger.
- When: September 11 at 8:30 a.m.
- Where: Indian River County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, located at 7955 58th Avenue, Vero Beach.
St. Lucie County Remembrances
For those in neighboring St. Lucie County, two distinct morning ceremonies are planned to mark the solemn occasion.
- Port St. Lucie 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony: Held at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center (9221 SE Event Center Place) from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The city’s annual ceremony provides residents a space for reflection, unity, and tribute.
- Fort Pierce 9/11 Memorial Service: Taking place at Veterans Memorial Park (600 N Indian River Drive) from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This service honors first responders, veterans, and all those impacted. Notably, it will feature a special tribute to Fort Pierce native CeeCee Ross Lyles, a heroic flight attendant aboard United Airlines Flight 93.
Martin County Remembrances
Martin County residents have a tradition of active reflection through memorial walks and evening vigils.
- Palm City 9/11 Memorial Bridge Walk: Marking its 25th annual observance, this event begins with an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m., followed by the bridge walk at 9:00 a.m. Participants will meet at Jock Leighton Park (3755 SW Mapp Road) to pay tribute to fallen first responders.
- Stuart 9/11 Bridge Walk: Starting at 8:00 a.m. at Flagler Park (201 SW Flagler Ave.), local first responders will walk the Roosevelt Bridge in honor of the firefighters who perished in the 2001 attacks.
- Palm City Memorial Tribute Ceremony: An evening event starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Peter and Julie Cummings Library (2551 SW Matheson Ave.). The poignant ceremony will feature a posting of the colors, bagpipe music, a candle lighting, a wreath-laying, and guest speakers.
Taking time to attend these events helps ensure that our local Florida communities never forget the sacrifices made on that fateful day. We encourage all residents of Vero Beach and the broader Treasure Coast to participate in these ceremonies and stand united in remembrance.
