Englewood 9/11 Memories: Vigilance Urged

Two Englewood residents, now living in Sarasota, are reflecting on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and urging continued vigilance.

Carolyn Mason, former mayor, remembers being at the Sarasota airport on Sept. 10, 2001, watching Air Force One taxi the runway after she presented President Bush with the key to the city. The next morning, as the nation absorbed news of the attacks, Mason organized a prayer vigil at J.D. Hamill Park.

Pete Abbott, a retired NYPD official and former Sarasota police chief, witnessed the events from New York City. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, he stood on the top floor of police headquarters, watching smoke billow from a tower. He then helped coordinate emergency response in the crucial hours that followed, describing a beautiful morning that quickly turned difficult.

Mason and Abbott both stressed the importance of remembrance and vigilance. A community gathering is scheduled for 5 p.m. today at J.D. Hamill Park. Organizers suggest attendees arrive around 4:45 p.m. for a reflection on keeping the memory of 9/11 alive.