Hundreds gather in Bradenton at tribute on 9/11

BRADENTON — Chief Ron Koper of Manatee County EMS told a crowd of 200 today that in the 10 years since 9/11, one of the lessons learned is that Americans must establish a new national culture of teamwork, communication and safety.

As Koper spoke during the 9/11 Prayer and Memorial Service at the Emergency Services Memorial in Bradenton’s Rossi Waterfront Park,, there were local reminders of his conviction all around him.

Behind him and above the stunning granite memorial to fallen police, fire and medical service responders, which is itself a shared tribute, a 15-foot by 30-foot American flag belonging to the Southern Manatee Fire District, suspended from a City of Bradenton Fire Department ladder truck, was proudly unfurled.

Chaplain Stan Pavkovich of the Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue, during his stirring message, chided politicians in Washington who play party politics one day and stand together during a 9/11 tribute on another.

“We can’t plan for a 9/11, we can only create better relationships and teamwork between us all,” Koper said. “We must establish a culture of safety and remain vigilant over it.”

Then he referred to the nearly 3,000 who died 10 years ago during the morning hours of 9/11.

“Their legacy will be our future preparedness,” Koper said.

Many in the crowd said afterwards they were moved by the many speakers during the event as well as the playing of Taps, a selection of patriotic and sacred songs sung by Deputy Jim Brinson of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, a release of doves and a 21-gun salute.

“It was moving,” said Melverna Blanchard, whose grandchildren, Logan, 9, Carson, 4 and Brandon, 5, sat close to her waving American flags.

This story was originally published September 11, 2011 at 10:52 AM with the headline "Hundreds gather in Bradenton at tribute on 9/11."