10 Years Ago an Act of Terrorism Changed our Country: Where Were You on 9/11?

Many of us remember where we were when terrorist attacks took place at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and in the air on September 11, 2001. Where were you?

79-year-old James Higdon spends his retirement years as the Historian for the Andy Anderson American Legion Post 125 and President of Chapter One of the New York Transit Retirees of Florida. He and his wife retired in St. Petersburg in 1990, but before then, both worked for several decades in New York. On September 11, 2001, Higdon and his wife watched the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on the news. “It must be terrorists,” he told his wife. “Before I could get my entire sentence out, the second plane hit,” Higdon said. But, they weren’t watching history unfold in their living room in Florida, they were in New York, visiting family. Higdon’s shock turned to concern when calls weren’t going through to his family. His …

•  6 Comments
• Photos (2)

Inrchld

6:15 pm on Sunday, September 11, 2011

If we'd been home we would have started our typical day in front of the morning news but we were at a career fair. The company we'd worked at for many years closed to set up in Mexico putting 1100 of our friends, family and neighbors out of work. The fair began at 9 a.m. When we arrived I was dismayed to see tables weren't setting up, the phones were ringing relentlessly and people standing …   more ›

GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview August 4 - 7

Gulfport Patch has some ideas in order to enjoy a well-deserved weekend.

It’s Thursday, and the weekend’s just around the corner. If you’re still stumped on what to do, we’ve got some great ideas for both you or perhaps your family. Benefit: "Three's Company: A Contemporary Musical Cabaret" Where: Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave S., Gulfport When: Friday & Saturday, August 5 and 6 Time: 8 p.m. Why go: Starring Blaine Krauss, Hannah Barrens and Anthony Murphy. A portion of the proceeds benefit arts programs at the Royal Theater Boys and Girls Club. Price: $15  First Friday Art Walk Where: Beach Blvd. in Downtown Gulfport When: Friday, August 5 Time: 6 - 10 p.m. Why go: Preview and purchase the work of over 50 artists and crafters, as well as authors, antique dealers and entertainers stretched over a …

• Photos (1)

Viewfinder

Photo Gallery: Flag Retirement Ceremony

Dozens gathered this Flag Day at Veteran's Park in Gulfport. The American Legion Post 125 performed a Flag Retirement Ceremony.

Boca Ciega Bay provided a picturesque view for the annual City of Gulfport Flag Day Ceremony. Friends, families and city leaders gathered for the Retirement of the Flag Ceremony conducted by the American Legion Post 125 The New Horizons Band performed several patriotic songs, Mayor Mike Yakes welcomed everyone to the ceremony and Victor Helou performed the Star Spangled Banner before the American Legion Post 125 retired several American flags. Post 125 Commander Vern Hunter and Color Guard Member Don Duffy lead the ceremony. Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States Flag. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established June 14 as Flag Day but it wasn't until 1949 when Congress established National Flag Day that the day become …

• Photos (31)

Video: American Legion Memorial Day Ceremony

On Monday, May 30, 2011, people came together to honor veterans and remember those who died serving out country. Mayor Mike Yakes presented the proclamation. Watch our video to hear the presentation.

• Videos (1)

Say 'Thank You' this Armed Forces Day

"Every time you see a person in uniform, thank them," 64-year-old Vietnam Veteran James said.

A talkative and friendly crowd filled the Andy Anderson American Legion Post 125 during lunch on Friday, May 20, 2011. Many patrons at the bar were career military members and served during various wars and conflicts. We asked those silent heroes what they think of military and veterans holidays such as Armed Forces Day, May 21, 2011, and Memorial Day, May 30, 2011. 73-year-old Paul Newman served his country for 40 years. Newman was in the United States Air Force for 21 years and the Navy Civil Service for 19 years. He joined the armed forces when he was 17 years old. He says veterans holidays mean a lot to him.  "I think it's nice to do that . . . appreciate everybody that's been in [the military]. . . . all of us that haven't been buried…

• Photos (4)