Marathon marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks with a solemn remembrance ceremony at Station #14. The event, held under a sky that shifted from overcast to sunny, featured reflections on sacrifice, unity, and the enduring lessons of that tragic day.

Marathon Observes 9/11 Anniversary

Marathon Fire Inspector Mike Card initiated the ceremony by ordering flags to be flown at half-staff and delivered opening remarks. Marathon Fire Rescue Chief Shana Rogers spoke about the sacrifices made not only on September 11th in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, but also the ongoing commitment to safety and protection demonstrated by Marathon Fire Rescue.

Father Oscar Perez of San Pablo Catholic Church led a prayer of remembrance, and Card sounded three chimes of the bell to commemorate the attacks. Among the guest speakers were Marathon City Manager Steve Williams, Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo, and Monroe County Emergency Management Director Cory Schwisow. Approximately 75 people attended the ceremony.

City Manager Steve Williams addressed the impact of significant historical events, including Watergate, the Challenger disaster, the Gulf War, and the global pandemic. He emphasized that while these events left their mark, 9/11 holds a unique significance. Williams noted that for younger generations, 9/11 serves as a historical touchstone akin to Pearl Harbor or Hiroshima for his own generation. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the history of 9/11 is not forgotten, stating, “Our job here today is to make sure that history does not fade to black-and-white film.”

Williams also highlighted lessons learned from the tragedy, asserting that 9/11 underscored the importance of national unity. “If 9/11 taught us nothing else, it taught us we are and should always be a unified country,” Williams said, adding, “9/11 made the impossible possible.”

Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo focused her remarks on the theme of community and hope within Marathon. She stated, “Here in the city of Marathon, we understand the meaning of community. We are a small community, but we have always shown that our strength is not measured by our size. It is measured by how we care for one another.” Del Gaizo encouraged attendees to choose compassion, courage, and unity over fear and division during uncertain times.

Monroe County Emergency Management Director Cory Schwisow, a veteran of over 20 years in the U.S. Navy, shared how the events of September 11th influenced his life and the lives of many others. He drew parallels between his service during that era and the “call to action” embraced by many since then. Schwisow explained that answering the call, even without knowing what lies ahead, is a shared understanding among those in fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, and public safety. He concluded by underscoring the necessity of sharing these stories with future generations who may not have personal memories of the events. For more local news and updates, readers can visit Keys Weekly.

The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the enduring spirit of unity and resilience in the face of tragedy. The event aimed to ensure that the lessons and memories of 9/11 are passed on to those who did not experience it firsthand. The Keys Weekly provided coverage of the event.