Phi Theta Kappa, with financial support from the Student Government Association, hosted their annual Patriot Day event in commemoration of the victims of 9/11 and all American heroes. It was held on the HCC Brandon campus in the courtyard near the flagpole September 11. Two presentations were given, the first at 8:30 a.m. and the second at 6:30 p.m.

  Alicia Anacleto, the president of Phi Theta Kappa, opened the morning session with a few remarks and was followed by campus Dr. Carlos Soto, Brandon Campus President, who gave a short speech. Pastor Chuck Richard, from Kings Avenue Baptist Church, offered the memorial. Regina Watson sang the national anthem and Charles Dickens led the Pledge of Allegiance.

  Guest speaker Steve Robb, a retired Marine Colonel, gave a speech in remembrance of a personal friend who was killed in the attack on the Pentagon. The speech was followed by a moment of silence. The morning was capped off by a performance given by Sign of Da Times, a group that brings the gift of music to the deaf community through sign language.         

  Their performance was a highlight of the morning, and it began with a tribute rendition of Brian Adams’ “Heaven”–as a tale told from the point of view of a little girl who lost her father in the events that occurred on September 11. Many in the crowd were brought to tears by the musical tribute.

  Other participants included SSG Rosado from The U.S. Army recruiter’s office and a local Voter’s Registration group. George’s Hotdogs and Hamburgers served three hundred complimentary meals. Donations were collected for local first responders at booths offering face painting, snacks and activities.

  Anecleto also hosted the evening session, where Cortney Corbin sang the national anthem, Dickens led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Watson once again offered a prayer.

  The main evening event, was a screening of The Patriot, in the conference center, and it included free popcorn and soft drinks for all. After the movie, there was a candle light luminary in the courtyard followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of the fallen. After the moment of silence, several members of the crowd sang “I’m Proud to be an American.”

  The event was evidently a huge success. Dr. Michael Odu, a PTK adviser, went so far as to say that this was “the best Patriot Day to date.”