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'Hope, resilience and unity': Spring Hill remembers 9/11 attacks 20 years later

Daily Herald - 9/12/2021

Sep. 12—Twenty years ago, more than 3,000 people lost their lives in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, including 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, 18 EMS workers and 10 uniformed servicemen.

On Saturday, marking the attacks' 20-year anniversary, Spring Hill saluted the memories of those who have fallen. It was also a time to recognize the many first responders who were on the scene and risked their lives to save others.

Two decades later, these men and women, as well as their families, are still battling the grief, the loss and the life-threatening health issues caused by the fallout.

Saturday's ceremony, which took place at Fischer Park off Port Royal, began with words from Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman, who is also a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and former volunteer firefighter and medic.

"It was profound for me, and it was personal for me because I'm retired Air Force. I spent thousands of hours flying around the world in airplanes, but I recall going through a plethora of emotions, from anger to sadness to thankfulness," Hagaman said. "During my thought process when I was in the Air Force, I thought that, 'I wish I would have been on that airplane, if there was somebody else I could help out.'"

Hagaman also paid recognition to the city's first responders.

"I recall reflecting on the times we remember this event, [which is] to honor my fallen brothers and sisters in the responding service, the firefighters, the police department and the EMS responders," Hagaman said. "It is a pleasure and an honor to be part of a team of Spring Hill leaders and staff members, people who serve this city well, to protect it and respond when you call 911."

Saturday's guest speaker was Master Sgt. Frank Berlanga, a 30-year retired U.S. Military veteran, serving 15 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and 15 years in the U.S. Air Force.

Now a Spring Hill resident, Berlanga was one of many first responders on the scene on the day of the attacks, remaining on duty until Sept. 28.

"Twenty years ago, our world changed forever. Like most people in the world, we will never forget what happened that morning," Berlanga said, becoming emotional as he spoke. "The sun was shining, the sky was blue and we all remember where we were when we heard the news."

Berlanga said his team was deployed immediately and was sent to assist with the rescue efforts.

"We were hoping to save lives, searching to save someone of the 3,000 lives lost," he said. "Some were recovered, but still 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, 18 EMS and 10 uniformed services never made it home."

Berlanga concluded by presenting his "Old Glory" U.S. flag, which was given to him upon his retirement in 2013, to the Spring Hill Color Guard, which was hung at half staff.

"We remember the thousands of young men and servicewomen who had given the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day. I share Old Glory with you, the town I now call home in Spring Hill," Berlanga said.

"Old Glory's mission lives on, and she keeps the dream alive so others may live. Now she will fly over Spring Hill in honor of my friends, my family and those who pay the ultimate sacrifice. Today we dedicate this flag to the family and friends who are still waiting for their loved ones to come home."

The ceremony concluded with comments from Spring Hill Fire Chief Terry Hood, who spoke about the importance of what 9/11 has taught us as a country, which are the lessons in hope, resilience and unity.

"Twenty years later, these lessons are more important than ever," Hood said. "Today, the 9/11 Memorial Museum stands as a beacon for renewal, a physical embodiment of the compassion we show to one another, the resolve that we demonstrate to the world and how, in the face of unfathomable loss we rose as one. I wish we could be that way today."

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