The Dove Outreach Center got a lot of attention. But in neighboring Ocala, a weekend of events are planned for the 9-11 anniversary that aim to unite the community while honoring the thousands of lives lost 9 years ago.
A field of three thousand flags are lined up in neat rows. It is a solemn sight on the eve of one of America's darkest moments.
Joshua Escobar, a sophmore at the Francis Marion Military Academy helped with the event. "Each one of these flags does represent one fallen person, and so this is pretty much the essence of someone who fell in 911 attack. That's what each flag represents, so it's a pretty big thing," Escobar said.
Escobar is just one of several student volunteers that despite the scorching sun and blistered fingers, decided to join the cause at the Highland Memorial Park in Ocala.
This three-day-long event begins Friday and is free to the public. Saturday night, the field will sparkle with the light of candles while a multi-screen video tribute plays. Blood donation trucks will also be on site.
The president of Highland Memorial Park, Justin Baxley, says his goal is to unite the community during the anniversary. "To me if you can find a silver lining in what happened on September 11th, it was that the very next day we were united as Americans. We had a rebirth in patriotism. And so while we pay tribute and remember the lives that were lost, we can also reflect on that unity and patriotism that we need today as much as ever before," Baxley said.
The Field of Flags event takes place at the Highland Memorial Park in Ocala on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 10-12th. On Saturday from 6pm to 9pm, a candlelight memorial will take place. Life South will also be on site conducting a blood drive from 4-8pm.
Highland Memorial Park is located at 1515 NE Third Street in Ocala. For more information contact (352) 369-1020.