County Tribute Marks Eighth Patriot’s Day

CREST HAVEN — Cape May County’s Eighth Annual Patriot Day Memorial Ceremony was held under slate-gray but dry skies. Sept. 11 outside the county Administration Building.
U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd), who returned the prior day from a jaunt to Afghanistan, said that terrorists there still hoped to bring America down, and that their fervor was as keen today as it was eight years ago.
Guest speaker was U.S. Marshal James Plousis who highlighted the actions of an alert clerk in a Circuit City for thwarting a group of terrorists who had targeted Fort Dix. He noted that each person must stay alert in order to ensure any terrorist’s actions are detected early and reported to law enforcement authorities.
The U.S. Coast Guard Training Center’s Ceremonial Detail from Cape May took part rendering the rifle salute and played “Taps.”
A member of the 29th Basic Class for Police Officers at Cape May County Police Academy led the flag salute.
Ocean City High School 11th grader Lexis Petrella sang the National Anthem and “God Bless America.”
County employee Mark Huff sang “Amazing Grace” as freeholders placed a memorial wreath under one of two trees dedicated to the memory of those who perished in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on America.
Prayers were offered by Rabbi Jeffrey Lipschultz of Beth Judah Temple, Wildwood, Dr. Jeffrey Elliott, Cape May Lutheran Church, Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Carla Barry of the Guardian of the Sea Chapel, Coast Guard Training Center.
Rev. John O’Leary, Our Lady of the Angels Roman Catholic Church offered the Benediction.
As part of the daylong Patriot Day tribute to over 3,000 who died in the attacks, freeholders urge everyone in the county to fly flags at half-staff.
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