Parkland Mayor Rich Walker.
From Mayor Rich Walker:
Twenty-five years ago, when our nation experienced one of the darkest days in its history, we discovered something remarkable about ourselves. In the wake of unimaginable tragedy, we came together – not as strangers divided by neighborhoods, politics, or backgrounds – but as one community, one state, one nation. We stood shoulder to shoulder, united by compassion, courage, and a shared commitment to care for one another.
As the years passed, life moved forward, and like many communities, we gradually found ourselves separated once again by political disagreements, social issues, environmental concerns, public safety debates, and countless other challenges. Then came a pandemic that required us to physically distance ourselves from one another, making it even more difficult to maintain human connection.
Somewhere along the way, we also began to forget many of the simple moments that remind us what it means to be human.
Sharing a delicious meal from a food truck at a neighborhood event – that’s human.
Walking your dog, stopping to chat with a neighbor, and discovering you have more in common than you realized – that’s human, too.
Singing your favorite song at the top of your lungs, even if you’re completely out of tune – that is very human.
These everyday moments may seem small, but they are the threads that weave together the fabric of a strong community.
As we prepare to observe the 25th anniversary of September 11, let’s remember not only the heartbreak and loss, but also the extraordinary spirit that followed and moved us forward. Let’s remember how we looked after one another, how we reached across differences, and how we embraced the values that define us, like safety, community, compassion, and freedom.
Those values are just as important today as they were 25 years ago and as Parklanders, we need to show it.
I invite all residents to join us for the City of Parkland’s Patriot Day Ceremony at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, at the P-REC Gym at Pine Trails Park, 10559 Trails End.
Together, we will honor those we lost, recognize the heroes who answered the call, and recommit ourselves to building a community where unity is stronger than division – and where humanity always comes first.
If you have questions or comments you would like to share, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached via e-mail at rwalker@Cityofparkland.org or via cell phone at (973) 390-1453. Of course, I am frequently available monthly at Parkland businesses and love to talk with residents there. I encourage you to visit the City’s website Cityofparkland.org and click on the social media icon that you prefer, to ensure that you stay informed on events and helpful information.
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