SARASOTA, Fla. – USF Federal Credit Union (USF FCU) joined the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
The event paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the bravery of first responders and the resilience of the nation in the wake of the tragedy.
Retired Battalion Chief John “Jack” McDonnell, a 9/11 first responder and former captain with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), served as keynote speaker. On Sept. 11, 2001, McDonnell, then a captain in charge of Ladder Company 24, was among the firefighters who responded to Ground Zero following the collapse of the Twin Towers. He joined in the search for survivors amidst the devastation, where 343 of his fellow firefighters were among the 2,977 people killed.
McDonnell, now a Lakewood Ranch, Fla. resident, reflected on the day that forever changed the nation, the importance of remembering the civilian lives lost and the courage of those who responded, the credit union said.
“Today marks 23 years since that fateful day, a day that forever changed the course of history,” SVP/COO Richard Sellwood said in a statement. “The memories are etched deeply into our hearts: the brave first responders who ran toward danger, the innocent lives lost and the families who have endured unimaginable grief. We are here to honor them, to ensure their sacrifices and stories are never forgotten.
“Our partnership with USF is built on shared values, values that were profoundly tested and affirmed on 9/11,” Sellwood added. “In the face of adversity, we, as a nation, saw the best of humanity and it is that spirit of unity and perseverance that we strive to uphold every day.”