LP 9-11 Remembrance Set For Sunday

Sept. 11, 2001 will not be forgotten locally when a Sunday, Sept. 7 ceremony will mark the worst terrorist attack on American soil.

"A Salute to Freedom," a "9/11 Remembrance" will honor Highlands County's police, firefighters and emergency responders.

The two-hour ceremony will start at 7 a.m., at Heron's Garden restaurant parking lot, 501 U.S. 27 N.

Eileen May, CEO/president of event sponsor, Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce, will greet and welcome local officials and visitors.

"We feel it's the right thing to do," said May. "We plan on a very nice event and invite everyone to come out."

Mayor Tom Katsanis will give the invocation, with the pledge of allegiance and Posting of the Colors by Lake Placid American Legion Post 25.

Gary Filip will sing the national anthem, while the Scripture reading will be offered by Bishop Major Callahan of Action Revival Family Worship.

Rev. Elizabeth Meyer, of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, and Associate Pastor Drew Severance, of First Presbyterian Church, will also speak.

The Heartland Riders will be represented. Police Chief Phil Williams and Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton will share the podium.

Brandon Davidson, U.S. Army Specialist E4, will address the crowd. Tom Moran, Highlands County Emergency Management planner and Cpl. Larry McClellan of the Florida Highway Patrol will speak.

The event, which is also sponsored by the Lake Placid Merchants Association and Heron's Garden Restaurant, will feature bagpipe music by Robert Campbell, county deputy sheriff.

Taps will be performed by Jonathan Soto of the Lake Placid High School ROTC. Light refreshments will be served. Bring a lawn chair.