Sarasota to Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with Memorial Ceremony at Patriot Plaza
The Sarasota community will gather at Patriot Plaza on Friday, September 11, 2026, for a solemn ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
“Standing for Our 9/11 Fallen” will take place from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at Patriot Plaza, located inside Sarasota National Cemetery at 9810 State Road 72 in Sarasota. Attendance is free, but optional advance registration is available.
The ceremony will honor the 2,977 people killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It will also recognize the courage of the first responders, military personnel and ordinary citizens whose actions became lasting examples of bravery, service and sacrifice.
Community members invited to ‘Adopt a Fallen’
A central part of the Sarasota commemoration will be the “Adopt a Fallen” tribute. Participants may select one of the 2,977 victims of the 9/11 attacks and stand during the ceremony to say that person’s name during the tolling of the bell.
The tribute gives each participant a personal connection to someone whose life was lost that day while ensuring that the victims are remembered as individuals—not simply as a number in history.
There is no cost to participate. Attendees can reserve an optional ticket and select a name through the event’s Givebutter registration page.
The names of the 2,977 victims of the 2001 attacks are among the 2,983 names inscribed on the bronze parapets surrounding the two memorial pools at the National September 11 Memorial in New York City. The additional six names belong to those killed in the February 26, 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Visitors can search the complete list through the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Local leaders and first responders to participate
According to event information, scheduled participants include Congressman Greg Steube and the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Venice.
Representatives from Sarasota-area clergy, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency services, city and county commissions, the Sarasota County School Board, the Elks and the Knights of Columbus are also expected to participate.
Music will be presented by an ensemble from First United Methodist Church of Sarasota. Johnny Schroeder, a retired Bronx firefighter, is also listed among the participants.
The program connects the nation’s 250th anniversary observance—America250—with a moment that profoundly changed the United States. The ceremony will focus on remembrance, patriotism, public service and the unity Americans demonstrated following the attacks.
A Sarasota tradition that began on September 11, 2001
Sarasota’s connection to the national day of remembrance dates back to the day of the attacks. After the morning’s events unfolded, local leaders and clergy organized a prayer gathering at the Sarasota bayfront.
The Sarasota Ministerial Association later became a lead organizer of major local 9/11 commemorations held at five-year milestones. Previous ceremonies have invited residents to represent individual victims during the tolling of the bell and have recognized first responders, veterans, active-duty military members and families affected by the attacks.
That tradition will continue in 2026 as a new generation—many of whom were born after September 11, 2001—is invited to learn the names and stories behind the tragedy.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum estimates that approximately 100 million Americans are now too young to personally remember the attacks, making education and public remembrance increasingly important.
About Patriot Plaza
Patriot Plaza is a 2,800-seat ceremonial amphitheater at Sarasota National Cemetery. The venue was conceived and funded by Sarasota-based The Patterson Foundation and completed in 2014 through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The plaza features commissioned artwork and architectural elements that tell stories of military service, sacrifice and the experiences of veterans and their families.
Sarasota National Cemetery is approximately four miles east of Interstate 75 on State Road 72. Directions and official visitor information are available from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Because it is an active national cemetery, visitors should observe the dignity of the grounds and remain respectfully distant from any burial services taking place. Pets, smoking and recreational activities are prohibited on cemetery property.
Event details
- Event: Standing for Our 9/11 Fallen — 25th Anniversary Commemoration
- Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
- Time: 5–6:15 p.m.
- Location: Patriot Plaza at Sarasota National Cemetery
- Address: 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
- Admission: Free; optional advance registration is available
- Registration and Adopt a Fallen: Givebutter event page
The 25th anniversary observance offers Southwest Florida residents an opportunity to stand together, speak the names of those who were lost and renew the promise that has guided commemorations for a quarter-century: Never forget.
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