A post shared by T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker)<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cSeptember 12th was a big day,\u201d DelValle said. \u201cThat was the day that the world actually came together in unity \u2014 neighbors hugging neighbors, friends helping friends, strangers embracing strangers. That\u2019s what we need to focus on. That is how we can truly honor those that perished.\u201d<\/p>\n
DelValle, who helped organize the memorial walk, also carried photographs honoring people she personally knew who died during the attacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese guys were like family to me,\u201d DelValle said while holding photos of Mark Zepplin and Kevin Marlowe. \u201cThey unfortunately lost their lives in the buildings at the Twin Towers at Ground Zero on that day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Several leaders throughout the ceremony referenced Sept. 12, 2001, describing it as a moment when Americans came together despite political and personal differences.<\/p>\n
Martin County Commission Chair Sarah Heard said the country responded with \u201cunity, civility, respect, cooperation, generosity\u201d following the attacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe united. We were the United States. This is what I choose to remember,\u201d Heard said.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Stacey Hetherington also reflected on the sense of togetherness Americans experienced after the attacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeptember 12th is also remembered because we united, we came together and we worked in unity,\u201d Hetherington said.<\/p>\n
Martin County Fire Rescue Chief Chad Cianciulli described the patriotism that emerged immediately following the attacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was a day to be proud to be American,\u201d Cianciulli said while discussing Sept. 12, 2001.<\/p>\n
Chaplain Hoss Wiggins continued the theme during a prayer delivered before participants began the memorial walk.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter that awful event, the next day, a nation united in prayer,\u201d Wiggins said. \u201cThey set aside their differences and they united, and they cried out to God Almighty for help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wiggins said memorial events taking place across the country serve as reminders not to forget the sacrifices made by victims, first responders and military members.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe word of God encourages us over and over and over again to remember or don\u2019t forget,\u201d Wiggins said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s what we\u2019re here today to do is to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before leading the crowd in prayer, Wiggins energized participants with a phrase familiar to many firefighters gathered at the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I mean by \u2018let the big dog eat,\u2019 you simply focus on the task at hand,\u201d Wiggins said before encouraging the crowd to respond together.<\/p>\n
Wiggins then prayed for the protection of first responders, local communities and the nation.<\/p>\n
Participants later crossed Veterans Memorial Bridge carrying photographs representing nearly every person who died during the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard hijacked airplanes.<\/p>\n
As communities nationwide mark the 25th anniversary of 9\/11, local ceremonies like the Palm City memorial walk continue to focus not only on remembrance, but also on restoring the unity and shared purpose many Americans say they experienced in the days following the attacks.<\/p>\n
FULL SPEECH \u2014 SARAH HEARD, MARTIN COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIR<\/p>\n
\u201c9\/11, 2001 was the greatest tragedy of modern American history in my life. Over 3000 citizens murdered by terrorists in mere hours. Our nation was in shock and collective grief, and our response to this travesty defined us.<\/p>\n
We united. We were the United States.<\/p>\n
This is what I choose to remember.<\/p>\n
Every American chose unity, civility, respect, cooperation, generosity.<\/p>\n
New York City was unrecognizable, buried in widespread rubble. Restoration and recovery looked impossible, and yet that is precisely what Mayor Giuliani and then Mayor Bloomberg embarked upon.<\/p>\n
Both leaders were purposeful and determined. No one criticized them or ridiculed them. We all wanted with all of our hearts for them to succeed.<\/p>\n
Every state in the United States reached out generously to help in the difficult efforts to clean up the city and then to plan what phoenix would arise from that rubble.<\/p>\n
And look at New York City now. Look at Manhattan.<\/p>\n
A mere 25 years later, to see what respect and determination and cooperation can accomplish, we need to regain that unity, that unanimity, that respect and civility and shared purpose and grace and harmony.<\/p>\n
This is what makes America great.\u201d<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
What do you want me to Shine A Light on? What are you most proud of where you live? Email me at tawalker@wptv.com.<\/p>\n