Flagler County: Empowering America with the Stories of 9/11
Summary
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. (September 11, 2024) – The warm, rich tones of Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Commander Kenny Gonclaves’ voice closed the day’s rounds of ceremonies honoring the lives lost on September 11, 2001 like a soothing embrace as he sang the words to ‘God Bless America’ inside Palm Coast Fire Station 21 during the City of Palm Coast’s Candlelight Memorial Ceremony. With more than two decades between the tragic day that would forever change the United States and today, many of the speeches offered by dignitaries and first responders this year drew attention to efforts to ensure history never repeats itself with lessons on humanity, kindness, and unity. Stories of heroism, from the most well-known like Steven Stiller to the unsung heroes like those who ferried hundreds of thousands to safety on 9/11, the rescue dogs whose own sadness was palpable as they searched for survivors, and the strangers who housed thousands of stranded airline passengers in Newfoundland after the skies were closed during their transatlantic flights to the U.S., were shared at events throughout the day, by speakers like New York City Department Lt. Richard Glover. We can never forget our veterans and our first responders.” Representing the City of Palm Coast, Mayor David Alfin shared a speech to open the day with the Elks, going on to later share the story of Manny, a young child born six months after his father death on 9/11, to close the day with the city’s fire department. If you don’t bring them forward, make them a part of the story, they won’t be able to live it and share it in the future.” Taking part in the 9/11 Memorial Tribute Stair Climb held at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Palm Coast Fire Department intern and Fire Academy student Hayley Davis felt overwhelming camaraderie and support as she climbed 110 flights of stairs to complete the tribute challenge mimicking the firefighters’ trek up the World Trade Center buildings, along with 200 others on Wednesday.