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Residents Reflect On Day Of Attacks

Chris Urso / Tribune photo

Effie Wyman, right, is reflected in a mirror along with Gloria Dale as they wave American Flags with GFWC Lutz-Land O' Lakes Woman's Club Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007 along S.R. 54 in Land O' Lakes.

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A staff report

Published: September 11, 2007

Updated: 09/11/2007 11:23 am

Video: Area Residents Recall Day | Photos: Sept. 11 Remembered | Video: Gaither H.S. Marks Sept. 11

TAMPA - Six years ago today ‑ it was a Tuesday ‑ two commercial jetliners slammed into the World Trade Center, and a third hit the Pentagon. It was a bright, sunny fall day that is now remembered only as 9/11, and it shook the security of the strongest nation in the world.

Some Tampa Bay area residents recently recalled the attacks on New York and Virginia and the crash of the fourth jet that never reached its destination, offering insight and personal reflections on what that day meant to them.

Others commented on what has transpired since then, whether they feel safe now and the prospects of winning the war on terrorism.

"I don't think terrorists will ever be defeated," said Zena Harnage, outside a small South Tampa restaurant Monday morning.

David Bland, a fellow diner, agreed.

"No, I don't feel we are winning," he said. "We may be another Vietnam, a no-win situation."

Most said they would mark the day in quiet reflection.

"I'll think about peace," Harnage said.

Memorial events will be held today across the Tampa Bay area, including:

•The Hillsborough County Veterans Affairs Office and the Hillsborough County Veterans Council will hold a commemoration ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Museum and Park, 3602 N. U.S. 301. For details, call (813) 744-5502.

•The Bayshore Patriots plan a memorial event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Bayshore and Bay to Bay boulevards in south Tampa. The public can join the group in waving flags. For details, call Julie Whitney at (813) 625-5525.

•Serenity Meadows Memorial Park will have its annual Sept. 11 Service of Remembrance at 8:30 a.m. at 6919 Providence Road, Riverview. Guest speaker is Hillsborough County sheriff's Col. Greg Brown, and ceremonies include the Riverview and Bloomingdale high school choirs, Boy Scouts of America Troop 110, and a wreath placement and dove release. For information, call (813) 677-9494.

•Church Alive plans a candlelight vigil and multimedia laser light show at 7 p.m. at 1603 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico. There will be an illustrated sermon and military personnel will be recognized. For details, call (813) 651-2760.

•In Pasco County, Wiregrass Ranch High School students created a Sept. 11 memorial art installation that will be on display today for students and school district officials. The public can view the exhibit from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at the school, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

A staff report

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