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For those who could not make it, or for those who wish to review the ceremony, here it is...complete. Enjoy!
Flight 93 Memorial – 06 August 2011
Welcome friends, family, and those who are also here to pay their respects. Thank you for joining us on this beautiful day to honor those who gave their lives for us.
Today, we stand here on hallowed ground to honor those who fell almost ten years ago.
The morning of September 11, 2001 began like any normal, sunny, and hot summer day.
People left for work, kids went to school, and life went on. Little did we know that our lives, and the world were about to change forever. While we would lose our innocence, many would lose their lives.
At 0750 American Airlines Flight 11 took off from Logan Airport in Boston and headed for Los Angeles with five hijackers aboard. The passengers relaxed and prepared for a long cross-country flight.
Meanwhile, workers reported to their duty station at the Pentagon, and the World Trade Center. Firefighters in New York City woke, prepared breakfast, checked out the apparatus, made riding assignments and prepared for the day. Little did they know, that as they wrote their names in chalk on the assignment board, it would be the last time.
Washington DC, and New York Came to life. People in the quiet and unknown town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania began their daily routine.
At approximately 0813 the world began to change. Flight 11 is the first to be hijacked.
At 0814 United Airlines Flight 175 took off from Logan and headed for Los Angeles with five hijackers and 65 people aboard.
At 0820 American Flight 77 took off from Dulles Airport in Virginia and headed for Los Angeles with five hijackers and 64 people aboard .
At 0842 United Flight 93 took off from Newark Airport in Deleware and headed for San Francisco with four hijackers and 44 people aboard. The hijackings are already in progress.
At 0845 Flight 175 is hijacked.
At 0846 Flight 11 is the first to crash at nearly 500 MPH into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
At 0850 Flight 77 is hijacked. At 0855, President Bush is notified.
At 0902, Flight 175 crashes at nearly 600 MPH into the South Tower.
At 0928, Flight 93 is hijacked over Ohio and reverses direction.
At 0937, Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon.
At 0957 AM, after learning of the other hijackings and crashes, the fight for America began over the skies of Ohio. Ordinary citizens were put in an extraordinary situation. While the rest of us were busy trying to make sense of what happened, a small band of brave Americans began to fight back. It began with a simple phrase, “Let’s Roll”. The fight continued for several minutes and ended at 1003 with Flight 93 impacting on this hallowed ground before you, inverted, at over 500 miles per hour. All perished, but their spirits, their bravery, and the American spirit lives on.
Ordinary citizens in an extraordinary situation – Heroes. They saved countless lives in Washington, DC.
By the end of the day, four aircraft were gone, the Twin Towers were down, The Pentagon was in flames, and a small field in Pennsylvania became the spot where the fight for America ended. Over 3000 Americans were dead and many more were seriously injured. Still more, were scarred emotionally for life.
By morning, we rallied. Everyone was an American. There was no difference of race, religion, political beliefs, or gender. We all stood as one, an American. Our fighting spirit had been awakened. Our country had been attacked on a scale not seen since Pearl Harbor. We had lost our innocence.
Today, we honor those who fell that day. We honor those who came to the rescue. We honor those who have fought in the Global War on Terror. We honor those who continue to keep us safe.
This bear was given to me by a child when I was at Ground Zero serving as a volunteer firefighter. It serves to remind me of that day, and the days after, and as a reminder that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty”. I’m sure everyone here carries a memory as well.
Let us not forget September 11, 2001. Let us not forget the American Spirit.
Rest in peace brothers and sisters. We will never forget you, that is our sacred promise.
We will now lay the wreath. The wreath will be placed by our friends from Maryland Patriot Mustangs and Fords. While they are placing the wreath, let me tell you about the special significance that it holds:
The circle design of the wreath signifies the Circle of Life.
The Four Stars symbolize the four aircraft hijacked that day:
· American Airlines Flight 11
· American Airlines Flight 77
· United Airlines Flight 93
· United Airlines Flight 175
The Red, White and Blue colors of the adornments are not only the colors of our great Nation, they hold a specific meaning on the wreath.
Red – Symbolizes the determination and valor of all involved that was demonstrated that day and in the days after.
White - Symbolizes the purity and innocence that was lost that morning.
Blue – As in the American Flag, it symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Silver MCOM Logo Background – Symbolizes the steel strength of the American Spirit; the commitment that we show to protect our Great Nation from further acts of terrorism, and the determination to hunt down those who wish to do us harm.
The Red Stars and Heart – Symbolize the eternal love and remembrance that we show for those lost that day.
The White Signature Ribbon – Contains the signatures of all those who support us this day.
Thank you. All, please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America
And to the Republic for which it stands
One Nation
Under God
Indivisible
With liberty and justice for all
Thank you
Today, we also brought a 9-11 remembrance flag with us. It is proudly displayed behind us. The flag is signed by all who participated in today’s cruise. It is our goal to take this flag on Mustang cruises to all three sites affected on September 11, 2001.
· Shanksville, PA
· The Pentagon, Washington DC
· The Twin Towers, New York City
Now, I’d like to ask a member of State College Mustangs, Chuck Bennett, to recite a Native American Proverb.
Native American Proverb
- Tecumseh
So live your life so the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their views, and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.
Seek to make your life long and of service to your people.
Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a stranger if in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life and strength.
Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death.
For I will be waiting and we shall cross the river together.
Thank you.
Dave Ginley from State College Mustangs will say a closing prayer for us.
A Prayer for Unity
Reverend Wintley Phipps
We pray today that from the ashes will rise a new spirit of beauty and unity in America.
Already, all across this nation our hearts have been knit together into a new tapestry of one America.
Because of this tragedy, we have been bound together by a silver chord of hope and brotherhood and sisterhood.
What was meant to drive us apart has really drawn us together.
May we always remember.
And so today we ask, God, that you would wipe the tears of all in need of comfort.
That you would warm the heart of one who would grow cold from bitterness.
That you would lift the head of that one who is bowed down in sadness.
That you would touch the discouraged and remind them that love will always conquer hate.
We thank you, God, for making us such a resilient people. We know that we are.
And we pray now for the strength to rise again, to build again, and to live free from fear.
We pray that you will help us rebuild our broken lives and mend our broken hearts.
We pray that you will give us the courage to face evil and the faith to believe that good will never be defeated.
Hold us close to your heart.
And through our tears, and through our sorrow, may we all see a new vision of a new tomorrow.
That concludes our ceremony. I’d like to thank:
Members of the Mustang Club of Maryland
Maryland Patriot Mustangs and Fords
State College Mustangs
And all of our friends and families who joined us today for your support
Please go in peace, be safe, let your lives speak, and remember – Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty.
Scott Robinson
MCOM
06 August 2011
_________________
Scott Robinson
"Deep Impact"
Dedicated to 343 Brother Firefighters who were killed on Sep 11, 2001
2014 Deep Impact Blue/Red Stripes GT Premium 5.0
1967 Notchback 289 - A true barn find!
In God we trust. All others are run through NCIC.
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