Date
Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022
Time
10AM - 11AM
Sunday September 11 • 10:00 am
Highlights Include:
Keynote Speaker – Lee Ielpi - Retired FDNY, 9/11 Hero
Lee Ielpi is a much decorated veteran of the elite FDNY Special Operations Company 2 and a Vietnam veteran. He spent 26 years with the FDNY and his two sons, Jonathan and Brendan, followed in his footsteps also becoming New York firefighters.
To See More About Lee Ielpi Click Here
Mark Wilson, Master of Ceremony
Mark Wilson is a beloved news anchor on FOX 13. An Emmy award-winning reporter and anchor with more than 20 years’ worth of experience traveling the world and sharing the stories of the people of the Tampa Bay area, Mark would like to think he learned from the best. His father is former FOX 13 anchor John Wilson.
National Anthem - Sonya Bryson-Kirksy, Tampa Bay Lightning Retired US Air Force
God Bless America - Lisa Cane, Pinellas County School Board Member
Twin Light Beams Lighting the Sky
Two days prior to 9-11, (Friday, Sept 9-Sunday, Sept 11) Curlew Hills displays two enormous beams of light projected from the memorial site. The giant twin beams shown more than 1000 feet in the sky each evening in likeness to the two beams of light that shined in New York City following 9-11. It is a magnificent and emotional sight. It lights up the night sky and serves a beacon of remembrance. Our 9/11 Memorial Lights will shine bright from 8-10:00 p.m. on September 9, 10 & 11. Rain or shine. Drive by to see this beautiful remembrance!
A 9/11 Student Essay Contest
We are proud to once again sponsor the Gene Gentile Essay Writing Contest. Students grades 6 – 8 in Pinellas County are invited to participate in an essay writing contest with the theme "How did 9/11 impact the nation?" The first place winner will receive $500 and the second place winner will receive $250. The first place winner will read his or her essay at the 9/11 ceremony.
A 9-11 Student Art Display
Students in 4th and 5th grade in nearby elementary schools are invited to create artwork based on the theme "What 9-11 Means to Me". Curlew donates $500 to the art department of each participating school. All this original student artwork will be displayed on large boards for everyone to view at the 9/11 Memorial event. Last year there was approximately 500 pieces of art displayed. Elementary schools participating this year are Curlew Creek, Ozona, Westlake Christian School and Sutherland.
Facebook Live
In an effort to bring this special event to people everyone, the 9-11 ceremony will be broadcast on Facebook Live. People from around the world could watch the ceremony as it happens by visiting the Curlew Hills Facebook Page on September 11 at 10 a.m.
