Today marked the 20th anniversary of the "We Will Never Forget" 9/11 service held at the Golden Gate Government Center. At the event were the Collier County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard, the Golden Gate High School JROTC Color Guard, Greater Naples Fire, veterans, and others.
On this day in 2001, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the United States. Among the victims was Lt. Robert Cirri of the Port Authority Police Department. Francesca DeVito, who lost her father in the attacks, recounted his heroic efforts.
"He was 39 years old, and he was working at the World Trade Center and unfortunately lost his life that day trying to save a woman in a stair chair. He made it out a few times and went back in for her. She was the last of the group to be rescued, and he and four other officers passed away with her," she said.
DeVito, now a mother of four, says it's important to educate younger generations about the significance of 9/11. "It's so important for us to teach Gen Z and the Gen Alpha that were not around for it, and learn how seriously important this day was because it changed our country forever," she said.
David Ramos, a U.S. Army first sergeant, also attended the service today. He was activated to assist with the aftermath of the attacks. He says this is a day he will never forget.
"I was home when my son woke me up and told me that a plane had hit the Twin Towers. I went downstairs to watch TV, and I got there when the second plane hit [...] When the sergeant banged on my door and told me that I was activated and I needed to go to my unit," Ramos said. "Once I was in my unit that night, I headed down to downrange and I was there. When I got there, there was a cloud of dust on the floor, real white and we went and laid down in our hotel that morning. We got up and we started doing all kinds of duties."
Both DeVito’s and Ramos’ testimonies serve as reminders of the deep and lasting effects of 9/11.
No matter how many years go by, the community keeps the spirits of those lost alive through remembrance and honor.