As our nation marks 25 years since September 11, 2001, the City of Sanford, in partnership with Seminole County, invites residents, first responders, and community members to gather for a solemn Patriot Day 25th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony.
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Time: 10:15 A.M.
Key Observance: A moment of silence will be held at 10:28 A.M.
While the tragedy of 9/11 resonated across the globe, its impact struck directly at the heart of our local community through the loss of Sanford native Mannie Leroy Clark (May 16, 1947 – September 11, 2001).
Mannie served as a security supervisor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. He was working in his office on the 93rd floor when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the tower. Mannie was among the nearly 3,000 lives tragically lost that day, and his name is forever memorialized at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.
During this year’s 25th-anniversary ceremony, Mayor Art Woodruff and Seminole County Chairman Andria Herr will present a special joint proclamation to the Clark family to honor Mannie’s memory, heroism, and enduring connection to Sanford.
The ceremony will feature keynote speaker Arnie Amoros, a retired New York City Police Department lieutenant and current Seminole County Sheriff’s Office volunteer. Following the attacks in 2001, Amoros returned to New York City to assist his former department. He was joined by a deployed crew of seven Seminole County deputies and a K9 team, remaining at Ground Zero for a month to help manage temporary headquarters operations and coordinate arriving law enforcement personnel.
The remembrance program will also include:
Presentation of the Colors: Joint Color Guard
National Anthem: Rose Gardner, Seminole County Fire Department
Invocation & Benediction: Chaplain Michael Nickson, Sanford Fire Department
Ringing of the Bell: Battalion Chief Greg Boone, Sanford Fire Department
Memorial Bell Ceremony: Lieutenant Kevin Sims, Seminole County Fire Department
Three Volley Salute & Taps: Joint Honor Guard & Steve Fussell
All members of the public are welcome to join us as we reflect on the solemn timeline of September 11, pay tribute to the lives lost, and honor the bravery of those who served.
