USAO Staff Volunteer to Plant Reflective Gardens at Area Schools; U.S. Attorney to Speak at Various Events

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer today announced various civic activities in which members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office will participate in commemoration of the ten year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

U.S. Attorney Ferrer stated, “We see the ten year anniversary of Sept. 11 as an opportunity to honor the victims who lost their lives that day and the heroes whose resilience, courage, and determination inspired us to be part of an even better nation. As we join together to take pride in the resilience of the American spirit, it is also a time to give our thanks to all of the brave men and women who were galvanized by 9/11 to serve our country. I can think of no better way to honor our fallen and living heroes than re-committing ourselves to the greater good through public and community service.”

To this end, the United States Attorney’s Office will conduct a series of service projects at four public schools in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and St. Lucie Counties between September 8, 2011, and September 16, 2011. The U.S. Attorney’s Office volunteers will address the students on the value of public service and will help the students at these schools commemorate Sept. 11, by planting a “Reflective Garden” at each of the four schools.

The Reflective Gardens will feature native South Florida plants, such as a Gumbo-Limbo, Lignum Vitae, Coontie Palm, and a Blue Porter Weed. These plants were selected by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to reflect the spirit and character of the American people. In particular, these plants are known for their resilience, longevity, and tolerance of their changing surroundings. The Gumbo Limbo, for example, which will be the centerpiece of each of the gardens, is known to re-grow from a branch that has fallen to the ground after being struck by lightning. The Lignum Vitae, more commonly known as the “Tree of Life,” can live for more than 800 years. The Coontie Palm was used by many native American tribes as a staple source of food. Finally, the Blue Porter Weed is a plant that seemingly dies every winter, but springs back to life the following spring.

The formal dedication ceremonies of the Reflective Gardens will be held at the following places and times:

Miami-Dade County:
Friday, September 9, 2011, at 9:30 a.m.
Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary
505 NW 20th Street, Miami, FL
Principal: Mrs. Ann Gary

Broward County:
Monday, September 12, 2011, at 1:00 p.m.
Pines Middle School
200 N. Douglas Road
Pembroke Pines, FL
Principal: Mr. Carlton Campbell

Palm Beach County:
Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 9:30 a.m.
U.B. Kinsey/Palmview Elementary School
800 11th Street,
West Palm Beach, FL
Principal: Ms. Adrienne Howard

Fort Pierce:
Friday, September 16, 2011, at 1:00 p.m.
Chester A. Moore Elementary School
827 N. 29th Street
Fort Pierce, FL
Principal: Ms. Felicia Nixon

In addition, Mr. Ferrer and members of his staff will attend and participate in various commemorative community events throughout the District, as follows:

Florida International University
“Commemorative Day of Reflection on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11"
September 9, 2011, at 12:15 p.m.
Biscayne Bay Campus
3000 N.E. 151st Street
North Miami, Florida
Remarks by Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus Christian

City of Fort Lauderdale
Broward Sheriffs Office Commemorative Event
(Joint event with retired officers from the NYC Fire and Police Departments)
September 11, 2011, at 8:30 a.m.
Ron Cochran Public Safety Building
2601 Broward Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Remarks by U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer

City of Pembroke Pines
“Memorial Unveiling and Remembrance Ceremony”
September 11, 2011, at 8:30 a.m.
Pembroke Pines City Center
10300 Pines Boulevard
Pembroke Pines, FL
Remarks by Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus Christian

Miami-Dade County and the U.S. Coast Guard
Commemorative Event
September 11, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.
Tropical Park
SW 40 St & 79th Ave
Miami, FL
Attendance by Chief of the Criminal Division Edward N. Stamm and AUSA/Col. Randy Hummel

City of Weston
Commemorative Event
September 11, 2011, at 5:00 p.m.
Weston Town Center Amphitheater
1900 Bell Tower Lane
Weston, FL
Remarks by U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer

Ferrer added, “The goal of these events is to pay tribute and remember all the heroes, including our first responders, who selflessly risked their lives to save our fellow Americans in the World Trade Center, N.Y.; the Pentagon in VA; and the brave passengers of Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA.”

Mr. Ferrer commended the efforts of his staff, the respective students, faculty and administration at each school.

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A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.