PUNTA GORDA — A solemn service at ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda on Wednesday commemorated the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Hospital officials planned the public ceremony as a remembrance of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and those killed on Flight 93.
Hospital Chaplin Carlo Gargiulo was a firefighter in New York City during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Gargiulo spoke of his experiences from that day and brought memorabilia that included his fire gear.
Also speaking was Libby Shaefer, author of “Our Brothers Keeper,” who shared first-person stories of survivors and the families of the terrorist attack. Shaefer interviewed hundreds of survivors and family members to share their stories of 9/11.
A 20-foot by 40-foot American flag waved over the service that included first responders and an honor guard that combined members of the Punta Gorda Fire Department, Punta Gorda Police Department and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.