Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.
In addition to a traditional Sunday service that recognizes military members and law enforcement officers, Hopewell Baptist Church will be hosting a Hero’s Banquet beginning at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11. The event will honor first responders and their immediate family members from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Plant City Police Department, Plant City Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Battalion 6 and Hillsborough County School Board security resource officers.
“We want to make sure they hear the words, ‘Thank you for what you do,’” the Rev. Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks, pastor at Hopewell Baptist Church, said. Middlebrooks is a military veteran and serves as chaplain for many law enforcement agencies throughout Plant City. “We want to do it in a tangible way. We localized it a lot more with our Plant City area responders.”
This year, the church wanted to go above and beyond to let law enforcement officers know that they are appreciated.
“They constantly give so much to protect us,” Middlebrooks said. “This year is unique because Sept. 11 fell on a Sunday. We wanted to make it a special celebration, not only for those (responders) within our congregation, but for so many within our community.”
The Sept. 11 event will include dinner, music, testimony and a circling of prayer.
“The center of the church will have tables for first responders and their families,” Middlebrooks said. “They are the central focus for the evening. My encouragement to the congregation was that this banquet should look like homecoming. When these first responders come through the door, they should feel like they’ve come home.”
Immediate family members, up to five per office, have been invited to the event for the sacrifices that they make, too.
“(Families) have to pay the price as well,” Middlebrooks said. “My wife and daughters had to endure their own battles on the home front while I was away. The first responder families are just as precious to us.”
Following meal and prayer beginning at 5 p.m., the church’s youth will sing. After a brief word of blessing and devotion, attendees will join hands and circle around the law enforcement officers.
“We pray for God’s protection around them daily,” Middlebrooks said. “As God protects us, we pray for God’s protection over them. Our church is coming to serve. We want to serve those that serve us every day of our lives.”
Uniforms are welcome, but not necessary for the event. First responders and their families are asked to RSVP with a total number of attendees by Monday, Sept. 5.
“That will give us time necessary to ensure we have all resources in place,” Middlebrooks said.
The church also will be giving out gift bags to first responders. If organizations or individuals would like to donate food or gifts to the event, they are asked to contact Middlebrooks before Sunday, Sept. 11.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.