Prayers for Peace on Day to Recall Attacks

CREST HAVEN – The crowd was smaller than in prior years Sept. 11 when the county marked earlier Patriot Days. There were fewer first responders and only one Marmora aerial fire truck. From that extended ladder a huge American flag fluttered in the breeze. 
While the nation vowed it would never forget the terrorist attacks, the day was also the National Football League’s season opener; Philadelphia Eagles sparred at home against the Cleveland Browns, which may have accounted for the thinner crowd.
Regardless of the crowd’s size, those who attended were united by an intense spirit of patriotism. It was stated several times by those who spoke, including U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd), retired Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Pierson, Cmdr. Richard Scott, training officer, Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, and Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton.
There was a renewed call for peace from Pastor Kathy Smallwood of Macedonia Baptist Church, Cape May. She prayed for unity in the nation and for peace among its citizens, and for nations around the globe. She delivered the invocation and Benediction, in which she prayed for peace and asked all to place their hand over their heart while it was being vocalized.
Coast Guard recruits, who formed the Ceremonial Detail, were small children when the attacks took place. Those recruits were cited by each speaker as those who would, in a few short weeks following graduation, become an integral part of America’s first line of defense.
A floral wreath was placed before the county’s 9-11 Memorial Garden. That garden, dedicated Sept. 11, 2013, was designed by Ann Marie McMahon, director of Facilities and Services. Open to the public; it is maintained at the entrance of the County Administration Building by the County Facilities and Services Department.
The monument consists of artifacts from the Pentagon in Washington, the World Trade Center in New York City and Flight 93 that crashed in Shanksville, Pa.
Representatives of first responders from around the county joined freeholders in placing the tri-colored tribute.
A three-volley salute was rendered by Coast Guard recruits followed by playing of “Taps” by a Coast Guard musician.
The Sept. 11 tribute song, written and sung by teacher Jacalyn Rae Matkowski, “Did You Know?” was played before Smallwood’s prayer for peace.
Mark Huff of Upper Township was called upon at the last minute to sing the national anthem, which opened the ceremony, and “God Bless America,” which closed the solemnity.