A fundraising 5K run, parachutists, breakfast, and memorial program will honor first responders, veterans, and Gold Star families.
Saint Leo University will host In their Honor: September 11, 2001 & Operation Enduring Freedom – Never Forget to remember and recognize the extraordinary acts of heroism on that day and the many months that followed. Saint Leo’s memorial events will take place 7:30-11 a.m., Monday, September 8, at the Wellness Center on campus, 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574.
The acts of terrorism on September 11, 2001, changed not only the United States, but also the world. Now, the public is invited to attend the special events at Saint Leo University to honor those who paid the ultimate price, those who assisted others, and those who answered the call to military service. The September 8 event’s goal is to honor and serve first responders, the military, veterans, and Gold Star Families. There will be a fundraising 5K, parachutists, guest speakers at a special memorial event, and more.
The September 8 events include:
In Their Honor 5K
Beginning at 7:30 a.m., Saint Leo University Wellness Center, on the west side of campus behind Benedictine Hall by Lake Jovita (Google address is 12338 Priory Circle).
Cost is $40, which includes the 5K, commemorative event T-shirt, breakfast, and free parking. Each runner will receive a goodie bag from Chick-fil-A. The run will take place throughout University Campus, and the route will feature more than 300 photos of firefighters who lost their lives during September 11, 2001. A meaningful run under a firetruck ladder, which will display an American flag, caps off the 5K. Locker rooms will be available in the Wellness Center after the run for use before the program.
Funds raised through this event will support the sponsoring organizations and charities including the creation of the Children of Heroes Scholarship at Saint Leo University. Representing the shared mission between the Pasco Patriots Association and Saint Leo University, this fund will provide tuition assistance for first responders and the children of fallen and catastrophically injured first responders.
Register at In Their Honor 5K.
Breakfast
A full breakfast will be served in the Wellness Center gym (lower level) after the 5K run and before the memorial program.
Flyover/Parachutist Drop
At 8:46 a.m., marking the time when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center North Tower in New York, there will be a flyover with parachutists jumping to the ground outside of Saint Leo’s Wellness Center. The parachutists will present Noel Boeke, chair of the Saint Leo University Board of Trustees and a U.S. Navy veteran, with a U.S. flag.
Memorial Program
Following the parachutists’ arrival, the program will begin with several guest speakers including Stephen Spelman, who served with the New York Fire Department as an EMT and survived 9/11; retired U.S. Army Special Forces Lt. Col. Perry Blackburn, who was a member of the "Horse Soldiers," the first U.S. servicemembers on the ground in Afghanistan after September 11, 2001; and Wilton Simpson, Florida commissioner of agriculture and consumer services. Gold Star families (those who have lost an immediate family member, who died as the result of active-duty military service) will be recognized during the program.
Registration for the free memorial program and breakfast is requested to help with planning. RSVP and reserve a seat by Tuesday, September 2, at Memorial Program.
Sponsoring Organizations and Charities
Donations as well as funds raised by the events hosted at Saint Leo will support the work of these charities/nonprofit organizations:
Saint Leo University: Provides a scholarship for first responders or the spouses/children of first responders injured in the line of duty.
Pasco Patriots Association: Serves veterans and first responders
18 Series Coffee Co.: Helps transitioning Green Berets and translators/fighting force support personnel
AFG Free: Provides evacuation and sustainability to US citizens and Afghan partners and their families
Cryoeeze22 Inc.: Focuses on preventing veteran suicide
Krewe De Forti: Comprised of active duty and former first responders who help the community through service and scholarships
PCRetiredK9 (Pasco County Retired K9): Helps provide for retired canine care
Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Focuses on building mortgage-free homes for Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and adaptive homes for veterans and first responders
Warrior Wellness: Provides veteran trauma healing and support
Event sponsorships are available and those interested may contact Dr. Jen Shaw, vice president of Student Affairs, at jen.shaw@saintleo.edu or (352) 588-7096.
Requests for accommodations can be made by emailing Section504@saintleo.edu. For more information, visit saintleo.edu/accommodations.
For more information, contact jen.shaw@saintleo.edu.
