It was 25 years ago on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, that a coordinated terrorist attack by Islamic extremists resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people, including 441 police and rescue personnel, on a historic day of infamy that will never be forgotten.

On Friday, Sept. 11, the Village of Key Biscayne’s annual Remembrance Ceremony at the Civic Center’s Monaco Fountain will be a little larger in scope but still will maintain that hometown feeling of togetherness and solitude as the community gathers to pay tribute to those lives lost and the heroes among us.

“In the past, it’s been low-key, within the Village, but we want to open it up broader this year,” Village Manager Steve Williamson said. “It’s a very solemn event, but we want to make sure we do a full commemoration. It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years.”

Williamson, who served in the Army for 28 years, being deployed to several war-torn countries during his career, said that fateful day of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil changed things for the next dozen years of his military life in many ways.

This year, retired New York Fire Dept. Capt. Robert Senator will speak at the Village’s ceremony, which begins at 8:20 a.m., with comments from Key Biscayne Police Chief Frank Sousa, the Master of Ceremonies.

“As we approach the 25th anniversary of such an important day in American history, it is important to always remember those we lost,” Sousa said Monday. “Just as important, we cannot forget our military service members who made so many sacrifices in response to Sept. 11. (That) demonstrates the remarkable courage all first responders and military members have.

“I have vivid memories of seeing so many run toward danger, as others were running away. I am thankful to live in a country that allows so many freedoms, and because of that, I will always be thankful to those who make sacrifices and do everything they can to ensure our freedoms.”

Key Biscayne Fire Rescue Capt. Dan Feeney was among a handful of Village first responders who accompanied the FEMA search and rescue unit from Miami to Ground Zero, where he joined Capt. Senator in the aftermath.

Thoughts of those destruction scenes still linger with Feeney.

“They’re generally not good,” he said somberly of those memories.

As the last remaining firefighter who helped start the Village’s Fire Rescue operations, Feeney has been to each of the Village’s annual ceremonies, organizing them as best as possible, yet with a lump in his throat and maybe a tear in his eyes.

“This is my last year of heading it up,” he said, noting he will be retiring in January. “We’re doing it pretty nice.”

The Patriot Day ceremony will include a presentation by the Key Biscayne Honor Guard, a City of Miami radio call at precisely 8:43 a.m., when there will be a moment of silence, comments by Mayor Joe Rasco and a prayer by Father Juan Carlos Paguaga.

Refreshments will be offered at 9:30 a.m. by Aguamiel, a local specialty coffee and tea shop.

“This has been a local community thing, so it’s important to do it ourselves,” Williamson said.

Schedule of events for 9/11

• 8:20 a.m. – Opening remarks by Police Chief Frank Sousa

• 8:35 – Patriot Day ceremony with the Key Biscayne Honor Guard

• 8:43 – City of Miami radio call and moment of silence

• 8:50 – Prayer by Father Juan Carlos Paguaga

• 9:00 – Address by Mayor Joe Rasco

• 9:05 – Remembrance speech by retired NY Fire Capt. Robert Senator

• 9:15 – Retiring of the colors

• 9:30 – Refreshments from Aguamiel