KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The heroes and victims of 2001’s Sept. 11 terror attacks are to be remembered on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy at the soon-to-be-opened Key West Fire House Museum.
The memorial is set for 6 p.m. at Old Fire House No. 3 at the corner of Virginia and Grinnell streets. The historic fire station, which operated from 1907 until 1998, is one of the oldest in Florida.
The event was conceived to remember those who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and honor those who currently serve to protect Americans’ security.
Special guests are to include members of the New York City and Key West fire departments, law enforcement officers, honor guards, veterans and local officials.
Planned highlights include New York City firefighters’ presentation of two pieces of the World Trade Center towers to the museum and Key West Fire Department. Also scheduled are a moment of silence, a donation by a local sheriff’s deputy and the viewing of a video that chronicles the creation and presentation of a Key West art memorial in New York City following the tragedy.
Attendees also can take a guided tour of the Key West Fire House Museum, which is projected to open in early 2012.
Spearheaded by retired second-generation Key West firefighter Alex Vega, the museum contains artifacts from the island’s firefighting history. Notable items include a 1929 American La France fire engine, an early alarm system that communicated a fire’s location, a coal pit, uniforms, helmets and other items belonging to men once stationed there.
The Sept. 11 memorial event is free and open to the public.
Event information: oldfirehouse3@yahoo.com, Alex at 305-797-8417 or Rich at 305-923-8917
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
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