ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.-The APG community paused to reflect on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks during a Patriot Day commemoration ceremony at the APG Fire Station, Sept. 9.
“The ceremony was held to properly honor the victims, recognize first responders and reflect on the impact this day not only had on our nation but also our military, APG and local community,” said Public Affairs Specialist Becca Nappi, with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s Strategic Communications Directorate.
The program featured pre-recorded personal stories from APG personnel and Gold Star Mother Janice Chance and Public Affairs Specialist Bethani Crouch delivered a poem written by seventh-grade student Hannah Schoechert called “We’re Still Standing.”
Called to serve
Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Ruth Drewitt paid tribute to the courageousness of the first responders on September 11.
“They ran toward danger, and their dedication, courage and bravery saved many lives,” she said. “First responders from all agencies have made great strides to keep us safe during the past 20 years, without much-deserved recognition. They have one of the most important jobs when responding to emergencies, and their sacrifices on 9/11 proved just that.”
Drewitt said many first responders feel like they are called to serve in times of crisis.
“We especially thank our APG first responders who work tirelessly to ensure our personal safety,” she said. “Thank you so much to all of you for what you do around the clock; we truly appreciate what you do. Thank you for not only serving APG, but for your courage and commitment to responding to calls outside of the gates to help your fellow emergency workers.”
Drewitt also expressed condolences to the family and friends of those who perished as a result of the 9/11 attacks.
“We pledge that your loved ones have not died in vain, as we stand together as a nation,” she said. “Let’s remember that the fallen have not left us as they live on in our hearts and minds.”
APG organizations respond to 9/11
APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II thanked those in attendance and those who shared their personal stories.
“We all have been shaped, molded over the years since then and I reach out to all of you in compassion, understanding and comradery,” he said.
Edmonson recounted his experience on 9/11 and gave several examples of how APG organizations responded to the crisis.
“Many of our APG teammates aided in the recovery efforts, geared up to assist our Soldiers in the aftermath,” he said.
Edmonson said the organization which is now the U.S. Army Public Health Center responded to the attack on the Pentagon by providing protective equipment to Soldiers who were tasked to go into the wreckage.
According to Edmonson, CECOM, then headquartered in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, provided the world’s smallest infrared camera, which was used in the search and rescue efforts at the World Trade Center in New York City.
Because of the 9/11 attacks, Edmonson said, the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Command was activated under the U.S. Army Forces Command to consolidate the Army’s CBRNE forces under one single command.
Additionally, several APG tenant organizations supported the Global War on Terrorism by testing vehicles against improvised explosive devices, providing critical information to Soldiers, he said.
“Please never underestimate the impact you have on the greater good,” he said.
Edmonson concluded his speech by paying tribute to those we lost due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the aftermath.
“To this day we still feel the effects of those attacks,” he said. “To all who have fought or have lost loved ones in the War on Terrorism in the last 20 years, you are seen, and I offer my heartfelt appreciation. Please know this, your service matters, their service matters.”
The ceremony included a color guard with Soldiers 20th CBRNE, invocation from Deputy Garrison Chaplain (Maj.) Denise Hagler and a rendition of the national anthem by Staff Sgt. Javon Griffith, APHC. The program concluded with the playing of “Taps.”
The ceremony was broadcast on Facebook Live to reduce in-person attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The video of this event is posted on the APG Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/APGMd.
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