St. Agnes Catholic Academy students lined their Key Biscayne campus Thursday, Sept. 10, to salute the island's first responders and veterans.

The Heroes Parade, which began at 10 a.m., falls one day before the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Key Biscayne police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, active-duty military members, veterans, crossing guards and school security officers are all invited to walk the campus route, the Islander News reported.

Students greeted them with signs, cheers and American flags.

The school organized the event to give children a chance to recognize the people who protect their community while marking the Sept. 11 anniversary in an age-appropriate setting. The parade is separate from the Village of Key Biscayne's annual Remembrance Ceremony at the Civic Center's Monaco Fountain, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, beginning at 8:20 a.m.

Village plans broader ceremony this year

Village Manager Steve Williamson, a 28-year Army veteran, said the Civic Center ceremony will be broader this year. "In the past, it's been low-key, within the Village, but we want to open it up broader this year," Williamson said in a Key Biscayne Portal interview on Sept. 7.

Officials reflect ahead of 25th anniversary

Key Biscayne Police Chief Frank Sousa, who will deliver opening remarks at Friday's ceremony, spoke about the anniversary's weight that same day. "I have vivid memories of seeing so many run toward danger, as others were running away," Sousa said.

Key Biscayne Fire Rescue Capt. Dan Feeney, who traveled to Ground Zero with a FEMA search and rescue unit after the 2001 attacks, has led the village's annual ceremony. He said Sept. 7 that Friday's event will be his last before he retires in January.

The Sept. 11 Civic Center ceremony will include a Patriot Day presentation by the Key Biscayne Honor Guard, a moment of silence at 8:43 a.m., an address by Mayor Joe Rasco and a remembrance speech by retired New York Fire Department Capt. Robert Senator. The 2001 attacks killed 2,977 people, including 441 police and rescue personnel.

Schedule of Sept. 10-11 ceremonies

  • Thursday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.: St. Agnes Catholic Academy Heroes Parade, school campus, Key Biscayne
  • Friday, Sept. 11, 8:20 a.m.: Village of Key Biscayne 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Civic Center Monaco Fountain, 10 Village Green Way