OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It’s almost inconceivable to believe that 23 years to the day when the September 11 attacks took place, I was a baby in a cradle rocked back and forth by my grandmother. The itch of nostalgia reaching back to forgotten days of the past coincides with the tragic reality of those who remember what we lost that day. It was the day when America’s globe stopped spinning, and the world stood still.
Still, there remains one question on the end of everyone’s lips that sums up the lingering devastation still felt to this day: Where were you when it happened? It’s a question bleak in its reality but otherwise justified by its context. It’s a six-word poke at the painful trauma felt by those who witnessed it, and those who still feel its effect.
While the question may bring up memories that are hard to explain, its purpose is necessary. It’s a reminder of the brave and powerful souls we lost. It’s a reminder that the flag we symbolize as a witness to our freedom stands tall today because of the sacrifices made then. It’s a reminder that no matter what hardships we face, our country has and always will fight back in the face of such drastic adversity.
As we remembered the day that America will never forget, North Central Florida Media, parent company of 352today and radio stations 93.7 K-Country, and 92.5/95.5 Wind FM, participated as volunteers during the Feeding the Fearless event at Mojo Grill & Catering Company on SW 17th Street in Ocala. The project involves feeding first responders to commemorate the hard work they accomplish daily, but that’s not all it’s about.
The event was attended by first responders including those from Marion County Fire Rescue, community leaders like Mayor Ben Marciano, and volunteers from area businesses, nonprofits, schools, and those who just wanted to express their thanks.
Rondo Fernandez, owner of Mojo’s, asked first responders and volunteers to join him in prayer at the event’s kickoff to bless the food and the community, and to remember those we lost on that fateful day 23 years ago.
“First responders, man, thank you so much for what you guys do in our community. You guys are amazing,” Fernandez said, addressing the many first responders in attendance, including Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. “I truly believe we wake up each and every day knowing that we’re going to be loved, protected, and just cared on, and we just thank you so much for doing that for us. It means a lot.”
Fernandez then began to pray about what 9/11 meant to him, our community, and our country. “We want to pray for everybody who lost their lives that day, for the families who are still hurting and struggling and are in pain.”
Following the prayer was a heartfelt rendition of our country’s national anthem that was patriotic and memorable in its segway. During the anthem, the hundreds of first responders and volunteers in attendance joined together to look up at the United States flag as it swayed in the Florida wind.
“We’re here to show our first responders in Marion County how much they matter and how much we care about them, and love them,” said Fernandez. “Thank you for all that you do and for answering the call that God put on your heart.”
Following the national anthem volunteers including Matt Strate, director of operations at Mojos, began preparing meal trays for the first responders at the event.
Additional food trays were then deposited into delivery vans where volunteers journeyed to every firehouse, sheriff’s department, police department, even hospitals in Marion County to drop off some delicious grub for the hungry responders.
Volunteers at Wind-FM and K-Country even got in on the act, using their company van to deliver food to the front doorstep of the Marion County Fire Rescue team, among others.
But as Fernandez alluded to before, it’s more than just about the delicious food; it’s a reminder to law enforcement that the public honors their sacrifices in the line of duty.
“We deliver the food and we pray with them to let them know how much they matter and how much we care for them,” said Fernandez.
“We at K-Country are extremely honored to support Mojo’s in Feeding the Fearless,” said Mr. Bob, K-Country program director and host of the Mr. Bob Morning Show. “Our first responders put their own lives on the line in order to save our lives when responding to critical emergency situations. To this, we are eternally grateful for their service to our community.”
The sponsors for this year included Zone Health & Fitness, NOW Church, Regions Bank, Cheney Brothers, Sonny’s BBQ, Chicken Salad Chick, The Villages Insurance, 1-800-BoardUp, Team Cone, South Point Church, and Village Bread & Bagel.
In total, 1,435 first responders were fed through the event, according to Meadow Terry, the marketing manager & administrative assistant for Mojo’s. And each one was thanked in person.