‘Remembering 9/11’ Fundraiser Benefits First Responder Families
Twenty-two years after the 9/11 attacks, communities across the nation paused to remember first responders past and present. At Edinburgh USA golf course in Brooklyn Park, golfers paused to remember, then raised funds for first responders with a tournament.
The tournament began with the Minneapolis Police Honor Guard, taps, the placing of a memorial wreath and speeches from Minnesota law enforcement.
The Minneapolis Police Honor Guard present the colors.
St. Paul Police Commander Flynn said the Remembering 9/11 Golf Tournament is the foundation’s biggest fundraiser.
“I would not be here if it weren’t for those who gave that sacrifice that day,” said Hennepin County Lt. Patrick Chelmo.
Sept. 11, 2001, changed a nation. Lt. Chelmo said he will never forget where he was that day– or the days after.
“To watch it again and again, it was just really, really difficult,” Chelmo said.
It changed first responders.
“This was a major wake-up call and a call to duty,” Flynn said.
“It takes its toll emotionally, physically and even beyond that– it takes its toll on support networks and families that these people rely on,” Chelmo said.
The Front Line Foundation works to ease that burden. It fundraises for first responders and their families.
“If a first responder should lose their life in the line of duty, the Front Line Foundation gives the remaining survivors in that family $20,000,” Flynn said.
Money raised at the tournament also went to police and fire departments to purchase tactical equipment.
