The House of Gab will be holding its Never Forget 9/11 event at the Riverwalk 9/11 Monument, 221 W 1st St, Fort Lauderdale on September 11 from 6 – 10 p.m.

The 9/11 Never Forget Event is a solemn and significant gathering at the Riverwalk 9/11 Memorial in Fort Lauderdale. It’s a moment to step out of the everyday and into a powerful space of remembrance.

The event features a keynote address by U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds. Remarks will also be given by FL State Representative Chip LaMarca, FTL City Commissioner Ben Sorensen, David Greenberg (sharing his 9/11 experience), and Jonny McCoy, CEO and Founder of the WhiteFlag App., and Stanton Smith, Co Founder of Thank You First Responder Organization.

Hosted by Thank You First Responder Organization (TYFRO), a Fort Lauderdale–headquartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, the memorial tribute will unfold at the Riverwalk 9/11 Memorial beneath the monumental “Thrive” sculpture by internationally renowned artist Daniel Popper, as a beacon of remembrance, resilience, and gratitude.

“Over the past several years, we’ve seen such a significant influx of New Yorkers into South Florida — many of whom were directly touched by the tragedy of 9/11,” said Stanton Bradford Smith, Co-Founder & Managing Director of TYFRO. “We must ensure that the story of 9/11 is not just a chapter in a history book, but a living memory passed to every generation. This remembrance is a testament to the heroes we lost and a powerful reminder that out of tragedy, we found unity and resilience.”

This powerful evening program will honor First Responders, remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and bring the South Florida community together through shared reflection. The ceremony will include keynote remarks and personal testimonies, followed by moments of silence marking the pivotal times of 9/11. VIP Tickets are available for purchase for $100 each at NeverForgetEvent.com and include one VIP reserved seat at the memorial ceremony, one commemorative gift bag, two complimentary drinks, and exclusive entry to the VIP After Event at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale.

Following the memorial, an after-event will take place at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, featuring giveaways for First Responders. Proceeds will benefit TYFRO and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

The 9/11 tribute also serves as the opening ceremony for the inaugural Las Olas Wellness Weekend (September 11–14) — a four-day community celebration of physical and mental wellness, featuring yoga, HIIT, and Golf sessions, WhiteFlag Village wellness activations, exhibitors, leadership training, vendor displays, networking events, and a Sunday community watch party for the Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots game. The event is dog-friendly with a dedicated K-9 park.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR), the nation’s largest cage-free, no-kill dog rescue, will also play a vital role in the event, highlighting its unwavering commitment to both dogs and military heroes. Through its Veteran Service Dog Training Program, one of South Florida’s most impactful missions, BDRR has proudly placed more than 190 professionally trained, certified service dogs—each one a rescue—with veterans at no cost. These life-saving dogs, once in need of rescue themselves, now provide life-changing support to veterans battling PTSD, service-related injuries, and traumas.

Evan Fried, Director of Veterans Programs at BDRR, will lead a delegation of trainers, veterans, and their service dogs in attendance on the evening of September 11, offering the community a powerful, firsthand look at the life-saving impact of these programs.

Admission is FREE for first responders.

To purchase tickets, visit https://thankyoufirstresponder.org/our-programs/911-never-forget-event/