AVON PARK, Fla.–Sept. 2, 2015–Fourteen years after terrorist attacks killed more than 3,000 people and sent a stunned nation into mourning, South Florida State College will pause to honor the sacrifices made that day and reaffirm the American spirit of compassion and resilience in the face of adversity.

Now known as Patriot Day, SFSC’s Sept. 11 observance will begin at 8:40 a.m. in front of the flag poles on the Tower of Enlightenment circle at the Highlands Campus. The time is significant as it coincides with the first of four terrorist attacks, when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

Along with remembering the 2,996 civilian victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, SFSC will honor the 342 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers who lost their lives while attempting to rescue survivors.­­

SFSC invites the public to join its students and staff at the Patriot Day observance.