On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a Florida cemetery set out to create a remembrance ceremony that no one would ever forget. In Palm Harbor, Florida, Curlew Hills Memory Gardens honored the legacy of 9/11 with a ceremony that drew more than 2000 people in attendees – making it one of the largest 9/11 ceremonies in the United States.
On September 11, Curlew Hills hosted its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, bringing thousands of community members together to remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, as well as honor the first responders and heroes from that day. This is the 15th annual 9/11 ceremony held at Curlew Hills.
The centerpiece of 9/11 ceremony is Curlew Hills’ is its one-of-a-kind 9/11 memorial. Built in 2012, the magnificent 9/11 Memorial features a twisted piece of steel “floating” in the center, 30 tons of American granite as the towers, and a bright eternal flame at its base. Surrounding the 9/11 memorial itself, are large granite monuments with the engraved names of the firefighters who lost their lives at 9/11.
This year’s 9/11 ceremony at Curlew Hills featured keynote speaker Genelle Guzman-McMillan, the last known survivor rescued alive from the World Trade Center rubble. Guzman-McMillan spent 27 hours trapped beneath the debris of the North Tower before being rescued. Her remarkable story of survival, faith and resilience provided powerful moments for the morning’s remembrance.
The event also included honor guards, two military flyovers, live musical performances, ceremonial tributes and participation from community organizations. The Master of Ceremony was Mark Wilson from FOX 13 Tampa News.
With 30% of America’s population born after 9/11/01, Curlew Hills wants their 9/11 ceremony to educate younger generations of the significance of September 11 and the impact it had on our nation. To do so, Curlew Hills created a 9/11 Essay Contest for local middle school students and gives $500 to the student with the winning essay. Additionally, Curlew Hills invites local elementary schools to have students create artwork for a large 9/11 art exhibit displayed at the ceremony and donates $500 to the art department of each school that participates.
To further honor the memory of September 11th Curlew Hills features Memorial Lights on September 10 and 11. Twin beams of light illuminate the night sky 1000 feet in the air reminiscent of the light beams from the World Trade Center after 9/11/01. Hundreds of people drive by to witness this powerful beacon of remembrance.
“I am incredibly proud of the 9/11 Memorial at Curlew Hills and what it has become for our community. It is a powerful and lasting tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the countless families whose lives were changed forever,” comments Keenan Knopke, President and CEO of Curlew Hills Memory Gardens. “Every year, when thousands of people gather at our memorial, we are reminded that its purpose reaches far beyond remembering one day in history—it is about keeping those stories alive and ensuring that future generations understand why we must never forget.”
About Curlew Hills Memory Gardens
Curlew Hills Memory Gardens is an independent family-owned funeral home, cemetery, crematory and pet cemetery serving families throughout the Tampa Bay area. Established in 1979, Curlew Hills has grown from its roots as a former citrus grove into a 30-acre memorial destination dedicated to providing compassionate care, meaningful remembrance and lasting support to the community.
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