ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (Sept. 11, 2015) -- "The Star-Spangled Banner" echoed throughout Myer Auditorium.
The 12-minute documentary "Boatlift" stirred strong emotions and memories within the audience gathered for 9/11 Patriot Day. The film interviews about a dozen captains of ferries and tugboats who converged on Lower Manhattan to rescue 500,000 people in nine hours.
About 100 members of the APG community convened for the National Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on America 14 years ago.
Maj. Gen. John F. Wharton, commanding general of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, called on Soldiers and civilians to remember those who died on 9/11 while focusing on service to the nation and community.
"We're focusing on the healing that has occurred while looking to the future," Wharton said. "We selflessly serve by putting the welfare of the nation ahead of oneself. I want you to remember the past, remember the fallen, but look to the future and serve.
"You make a commitment each and every day. Service to the nation is part of the Army culture. Help us move forward as a nation."
Wharton also asked the audience to reflect on Service members' sacrifices during the last 14 years of war.
"We also remember more than 6,000 Service members who were killed in the ensuing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq," he said. "As we look to the future, we remember the many who sacrificed will continue to serve. More than 50,000 Service members were wounded, yet they continue to serve their nation."
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