No matter where you were, 9/11 is a day we all will never forget.
“When that first tower fell, my gut just said you knew somebody and it was hard,” said veteran Steve Brundage who was living in New York at the time.
Hillsborough County firefighter Captain Kevin Roger said, “It's still tough for us today.”
Now, 14 years later, people in Tampa Bay are turning those tragic memories into positive ones.
Doctor Edward Huggett is offering free eye exams to all first responders, veterans, active duty military and their family members starting now until the end of September.
“I want to do as much possible to help that person when they walk out see better than they walk in,” said Huggett.
As a former optometrist at the VA Hospital, he knows firsthand their medical needs.
“I noticed a lot of the and the first responders were not getting the services that we provided, and that is low vision and vision rehabilitation,” said Huggett.
The Veterans of Foreign Affairs in Riverview is also giving back.
This group is usually the one to get a thank you for serving. But on the anniversary of 9/11, they want all eyes on those still putting their lives on the line, bringing lunch to fire stations in Hillsborough County.
“It's from us to them, a little camaraderie,” said Brundage.
Veteran Steven Spears said, “That's what we are here for, to support our veterans and today support our firefighters and police.”
The firefighters say on this day, even a hug means so much.
“Today it means the world, today is a tough day14 years later,” said Roger.
Anyone who has served in the armed forces or as a first responder can receive their free eye screening by contacting Low Vision Support in Dunedin at 727.463.2579 or by visiting lowvisionsupport.org to make an appointment.
