The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum hosted a memorial service this morning to remember the day that forever changed our country, September 11, 2001. The brief ceremony began at 8:45 a.m. alongside the lowered American flag on the landside of the museum, to mark the moment the first plane struck the World Trade Center 13 years ago. Community leaders, civilians, first responders and others who were touched by the events of 9/11 were in attendance. One attendee lost her husband in one of the World Trade Center towers. Another woman who came was working in one of the towers that day and lost many of her friends. Two former New York City firefighters were also in attendance.
After opening remarks and a moment of silence led by Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette, Mt. Pleasant Fire Chief Herbert Williams offered a prayer. This was followed by a beautiful rendition of "God Bless America" sung by Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Letty Clay. To close the service, the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department Honor Guard laid a wreath at the base of the flag pole before the Joint Base Charleston Honor Guard performed a 21-gun salute. The moving service ended with a poignant moment as a member of the honor guard played "Taps."
After the service, guests were invited to come aboard the USS Yorktown to watch a short video remembering the events 9/11 as they unfolded. There was a table of carnations in Hangar Bay III so that guests could take a flower and throw it into the harbor in memory of the nearly 3,000 Americans who died as the result of the terrorist attacks on that day.
Here are some photos from our day of events to remember a day we must all never forget:
