North Central Florida is grieving tonight for the victims of the September 11th attacks. seven years ago, Americans watched in horror as commercial jetliners flew into the world trade center, the pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania.

Valencia Parker had a front row seat to the events on September 11th. seven years ago today, she was working at the Pentagon, tonight on the square in Downtown Ocala she attended a 9/11 memorial service. she says on that day she was given a true second chance at life.

"I was sitting at my desk when it came through the building and it took away a lot of my co-workers, my boss, it took away some of my very best friends. I'm here today because someone came looking for somebody else and heard me calling out Jesus's name and pulled me to safety about 4 hours later."

Now living with her parents in Marion oaks... Parker says she has a whole new outlook on life. she takes nothing for granted.

In 2001, she worked as a supervisor in the receiving department at the Pentagon and on that day she sent several staff members on delivery assignments which ultimately put them in harms way.

Now retired, Jay Warsaw worked as an paramedic in New York city. on September 11--seven years ago he was traveling back to his home state when he overheard the radio reports streaming in about the first plane that hit. he knew 30 men and women who lost their lives in the twin towers. he says as a first responder...his co-workers died doing a job that many of them loved.

"I would have done it myself. If I was on the job, I would have absolutely been in there."

As people here remember 9/11-- ceremonies are being held at ground zero in New York city, Shanksville Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon where a new memorial is being unveiled--to remember those who lost their lives.