Honoring the fallen will be at the heart of the Harney Point VFW Post 8463’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony at noon today.
The community is welcome to attend the event, which focuses especially on the police and firefighters who took part and, ultimately, lost their lives at ground zero.
Organizer Joe “D” DiGregorio, a retired firefighter from the South Bronx, N.Y., said he has been hosting the event since 2002.
Though retired since 1977, DiGregorio lost a nephew, a fellow New York City firefighter, in the tragedy. He also knew the sons of three retired firefighters who lost their lives.
“It’s personal to me, yes, but at the same time I think it should be done,” DiGregorio said.
The event will welcome city dignitaries including Cape Coral Police Chief Rob Petrovich, Fire Chief Bill Van Helden, Mayor Jim Burch and police and fire color guards.
DiGregorio will take part in the color guard’s 21-gun salute, which will also ring the “last bell” to honor the fallen.
Speculating on whether people have lost interest in these ceremonies, DiGregorio shrugs off the notion and remains dedicated to keeping the memories of those who sacrificed their lives active.
“Someone asked me if I thought people have lost interest over the years,” he said. “I don’t know, but I’m going to keep doing it as long as I’m here.”
The 9/11 remembrance ceremony will be held at Harney Point VFW Post 8463, located at 4709 S.E. 11th Place.
For more information, call DiGregorio at 945-3522.