Miramar, FL (LE FLORIDIEN) – On Thursday, September 11, the City of Miramar held a solemn ceremony to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The gathering brought together city officials, law enforcement, veterans, community leaders, and residents for a morning of remembrance that was both moving and unifying.
Hosted by Mayor Wayne Messam and the City Commission at Miramar Regional Park, the ceremony was convened to honor the lives lost on 9/11 and to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s veterans. The community observance featured reflections and moments of silence, offering residents a space to remember the fallen and recognize the service of those who have defended the nation.
The program began at 8:15 a.m. and concluded around 10:30 a.m. Among those in attendance were the Vice Mayor, the three city commissioners, the Assistant Chief of Police, and representatives from multiple branches of city government. Their participation underscored the enduring importance of the day as they stood alongside residents to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the attacks.
At exactly 9:03 a.m.— the moment the second plane – United Airlines Flight 175 – struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center in Manhattan , on September 11, 2001, —the audience observed a minute of silence. The collective pause served as a poignant reminder of the immense loss endured by families across the United States and the world, while also highlighting the resilience that followed.
The ceremony was emceed by Calvin Hughes, the distinguished WPLG Local 10 news anchor, whose steady presence lent professionalism and gravity to the occasion. Several dignitaries addressed the crowd, including Mayor Messam, who emphasized unity, service, and the responsibility to ensure that younger generations never forget the lessons of September 11. A special guest speaker also offered heartfelt reflections on the lasting impact of that day, leaving many in the audience visibly moved.
“September 11th will forever remain a day of reflection and unity. As we remember the lives lost on that tragic day, we also honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country,” said Mayor Wayne Messam.
Recognizing U.S. Army Veteran Wilner Valcin
A particularly meaningful moment came when American veterans in attendance were recognized. The mayor invited them to stand, prompting a long and heartfelt round of applause from the audience. The recognition symbolically linked the memory of 9/11 to the ongoing service and sacrifice of those who defend the nation.
Among those recognized was Haitian-American U.S. Army veteran Wilner Valcin, a longtime Miramar resident and a respected figure in South Florida’s Haitian community. Valcin immigrated to the United States in 1963 and enlisted in the Army three years later at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Trained in Military Intelligence, he was first stationed in Seattle, Washington State, before transferring to a base in Germany, where he served until 1972. He later continued his service in the Army Reserve, reflecting his enduring commitment to the nation.
Beyond his recognition at the city’s annual 9/11 and Veterans Remembrance Ceremony, Wilner Valcin—widely known in the Haitian community as “Master V”—will be featured in a series of city-sponsored activities throughout the remainder of the year in acknowledgment of his significant contributions to his adopted country. A banner bearing the Haitian American veteran’s photograph has been on display on a light pole at Miramar Regional Park since the memorial commemoration on Thursday, September 11. In addition, at the Nov. 5 commission meeting, the mayor and City Commission will present Valcin with a scaled replica of the street-pole banner as a keepsake.
Following his military career, Valcin dedicated more than two decades to federal government service before retiring. He relocated from New York to Miramar in 1990, where he has lived for 35 years. Before his move, he played an active role in Haitian entertainment as the owner of well-known venues such as Djumbala Night Club and Triomphe Manor, and as a concert and event promoter.
In South Florida, Valcin has remained deeply involved in cultural and entrepreneurial initiatives. His ventures have included Paralegal Masters and Master V Productions, the latter encompassing a radio program and a range of cultural events designed to showcase Haitian heritage and support local artists.
The commemoration concluded at the newly constructed 9/11 Memorial in Miramar Regional Park. Designed as a permanent tribute, the memorial stands as both a site of remembrance and a beacon of hope, as residents renewed a shared commitment to unity, compassion, and resilience.
A Community United
Residents who attended the ceremony described the event as both solemn and uplifting, praising city leadership for preserving the memory of September 11. For many, the gathering was not only a time to reflect on the past but also an opportunity to renew a collective commitment to unity, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity.
