VFW ceremony marks 13th anniversary of 9-11

James Rumsey, 13, was just a baby when terrorists hijacked four planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.

Though he doesn’t remember Sept. 11, 2001, a day that many will never forget, he was proud to attend a ceremony Tuesday to memorialize the fallen.

At the VFW Post 10209 on Edward R. Noll Dr., residents watch in silence as four wreaths were hung at the 9/11 Memorial, which was constructed in 2009 and dedicated on the 8th anniversary of that tragic day.

The ceremony opened with a prayer and included a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Audrey Rumsey, a five-gun salute, and a moment of reflection. Hernando County Fire Rescue Chief Scott Hechler was the guest speaker.

Retired members of the FDNY sponsor the public event every year.

Though it was an emotional ceremony, some in attendance said they felt the strength of unity for a country that recovered and fought even harder to maintain its freedoms.

Email Hernando Today correspondent Kim Dame at [email protected].