The City of Sanford, in partnership with Seminole County, invites residents, first responders and community members to a Patriot Day 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:15 A.M. A moment of silence will be held at 10:28 A.M.
The observance recalls the loss of Sanford native Mannie Leroy Clark, who lived from May 16, 1947, to September 11, 2001. Clark was a security supervisor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center and was working in his office on the 93rd floor when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the tower. He was among the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day, and his name is memorialized at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. Mayor Art Woodruff and Seminole County Chairman Andria Herr will present a joint proclamation to the Clark family.
The keynote speaker is Arnie Amoros, a retired New York City Police Department lieutenant and current Seminole County Sheriff's Office volunteer, who returned to New York City after the 2001 attacks to assist his former department. He was joined by seven deployed Seminole County deputies and a K9 team, staying at Ground Zero for a month. The program also includes the presentation of the colors, the national anthem sung by Rose Gardner of the Seminole County Fire Department, an invocation and benediction by Chaplain Michael Nickson, the ringing of the bell by Battalion Chief Greg Boone, a memorial bell ceremony led by Lieutenant Kevin Sims, and a three volley salute and taps. The public is welcome to attend.
Press release issued by City of Sanford:
https://sanfordfl.gov/25th-anniversary-patriot-day-remembrance-ceremony/
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