- December 4, 2025
Jerry DiMenna, master of ceremonies, at the Palm Coast Elks Lodge, on Sept. 11, 2025. Photo by Brian McMillan
Local residents who helped respond on Sept. 11, 2001, or to assist with the aftermath, line up on Sept. 11, 2025, at the Palm Coast Elks Lodge. Photo by Brian McMillan
Kathy Collaro, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, prepares to present a wreath at the Elks ceremony on Sept. 11, 2025. Photo by Brian McMillan
Wreaths were presented, at the Elks Lodge ceremony, by representatives of New York-area agencies that assisted with 9/11 response or recovery. Photo by Brian McMillan
Retired Lt. Rich Glover, now of Palm Coast, was among the first responders with the Fire Department of New York, on Sept. 11, 2001. Photo by Brian McMillan
Residents approach the front of the Elks Lodge to lay flowers at the 9/11 commemoration ceremony. Photo by Brian McMillan
The Coastal Florida Police and Fire Pipes and Drums performs "Amazing Grace." Photo by Brian McMillan
The crowd of about 200 stands to sing "God Bless America," at the Palm Coast Elks Lodge's 9/11 commemoration. Photo by Brian McMillan
Elks Lodge member Bill Hall recites the 11 o'clock Toast, reminding the crowd that, "Living or dead, Elks are never forgotten, never forsaken." Photo by Brian McMillan
Palm Coast Elks Lodge. Photo by Brian McMillan
With the ringing of bells by Fred Gleissner and speeches by community leaders, the Palm Coast Elks Lodge commemorated the tragedies of Sept. 11 in front of a crowd of about 200 people, at the lodge.
In addition to the laying of wreaths by representatives of agencies that responded on Sept. 11, 2001, and in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, the crowd in attendance rose to sing “God Bless America,” accompanied by the Coastal Florida Police and Fire Pipes and Drums.
Jerry DiMenna was the master of ceremonies, introducing speakers Mark Strobridge, of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office; Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhilll; retired Brig. Gen. Ernie Audino; and retired Lt. Richie Glover, from the Fire Department of New York.
Bill Hall concluded the ceremony with the Elks' traditional 11 o'clock Toast, to remember Elks who have died. He said: "Living or dead, Elks are never forgotten, never forsaken."
