Former New York City officer John Napolitano looks back before 9/11 ceremony in Palm Beach Gardens

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- A special ceremony will take place Tuesday at the Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens to pay respect to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The event, which starts at 10 a.m. and is expected to last an hour, is one of the largest 9/11 ceremonies in the area.

One of those who will be attending is John Napolitano, a former New York City police officer. His son, John Jr., was a firefighter in New York City.

When the Twin Towers were struck that tragic day, Napolitano says his son went in to try to save as many lives as he could.

Sadly, John Jr. lost his life that day saving others.

His father says that even though 11 years have passed, it still isn't any easier to deal with his son's death.

Napolitano said the anniversary of this tragic day is especially hard on John Jr.'s mother.

"She cries everyday," Napolitano said. "But as we get closer to that date on 9/11, she cries a little more because she sees her baby die again."

He now teaches kids at a local charter school. Though they're too young to remember the attacks, he says he teaches children about what happened.

He says he hopes they don't see a similar attack in their lifetime.

"I tell them to respect themselves, respect others and be tolerant," he said. "If we could do that, then maybe they will never see another September 11."