CREST HAVEN – Moved indoors for the first time Sept. 11, 2018 due to rain, Cape May County’s 17th annual Sept. 11 Memorial Ceremony took place in the freeholders meeting room.
Although unmentioned at the event, on the north wall of the room was a World Trade Center relic in a glass case, presented in 2011, and a framed Flag of Honor that bears names of all the victims of the attacks.
Outside, Marmora Volunteer Fire Company’s aerial ladder truck was extended and hung the large American flag near the front entrance to the County Administration Building, as it has since the county’s first observance of the attack on the nation.
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton recalled the “murder” of those in the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa., nearly 3,000, who fell at the hands of terrorists that crystalline morning in 2001. He cited the 200 who jumped to their deaths more than 100 stories rather than burn to death.
“Think of the terrible fright they must have imagined,” Thornton said.
He also reflected on the spirit of unity that prevailed across the nation in the days following the attack. Flags were flown from homes, cars, and offices. The attack, he said, brought the nation together bound by patriotism and honor.
Further, he thanked the first responders who rushed into the fray and rubble as others fled for their lives. Some from Cape May County responded to the call for volunteers after the attack.
Sen. Jeff Van Drew recalled that the nation “came together to save as many lives as possible” after the attack. He noted there was no concern of race of political persuasion at that time, rather, all were simply Americans.
He also said there were more working dogs pressed into action then to find those who were buried under the tons of twisted steel and concrete from the fallen towers.
Freeholder Vice-Director Leonard Desiderio, after making a brief address, took hold of his left lapel and noted that the 9-11 shield on it had been presented to him by a New York City fire chief as a token of the price paid by many of the department’s personnel the day of the attack.
Van Drew concluded his remarks by saying, “May God bless America.”
Cmdr. Brian Krautler, executive officer, Coast Guard Training Center Cape May told how the recruits at the center, when asked, almost unanimously raise their hands as they respond as to how they were well treated on liberty in neighboring towns.
Krautler said that he had served in many stations, from Guam to Cape May in his service, but had not been to a community like that of Cape May County where Coast Guard personnel were so well treated.
He noted that the center training personnel strive to instill into those recruits that “we serve the American people with a noble purpose.”
A Coast Guard ceremonial detail presented the colors as Bella McKeown, a sixth grader at Maud Abrams School sang the national anthem.
Freeholders presented a wreath, which was later placed outside at the Sept. 11 memorial garden.
A three-round volley was fired followed by the playing of “Taps” by a Coast Guard musician.
Rev. Gerri Ridings, pastor of Green Greek Bethel United Methodist Church gave a prayer of remembrance for the Sept. 11 victims and their families.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
