Ocean City has held a 9/11 memorial ceremony since 2002, and it always draws a big crowd. This year's event will be held at 7 p.m. Friday (Sept. 11) in front of the Ocean City Fire Department headquarters.
Ocean City will hold its 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at 7 p.m. Fri
day, Sept.11 at Ocean City Fire Headquarters (550 Asbury Ave.). All are invited to attend.
The annual event includes music, prayer and speakers reflecting on the deadly terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, on the memory of lives lost and on the community spirit that was renewed in the wake of the tragedy. More than 3,000 people died as the result of the attacks, including civilians, fire fighters, first responders and police officers.
The program includes:
- Striking of the Four Fives, a fire service tradition noting the death of a firefighter in the line of duty.
- Presentation of the Colors, Ocean City Boy Scout Troop 32
- Flag Salute, Bob Marzulli, Commander, American Legion Post 524 and Clark Manley, VFW Post 6650
- National Anthem, led by Ocean City Theatre Company members
- Retire the Colors
- Invocation, Rev. John Jamieson, Ocean City Fire Department Chaplain
- Introduction of dignitaries, Michael Dattilo, Ocean City Business Administrator
- Keynote speaker, Michael Morrissey, Commander of VFW Post 6650
- Laying of Wreath, Ocean City Police and Fire Department representatives
- Remarks and Benediction, Rev. Drena Money Garrett of St. James AME
- Singing of “God Bless America” by Julia Mary Wilson
The ceremony takes place in the shadow of a new 9/11 memorial on the grounds of the Ocean City Fire Department.
The city administration, the American Legion and VFW posts in Ocean City, and the city’s police and fire departments work in conjunction to arrange the ceremony.
NOTE: Ocean City High School football will recognize the anniversary of the 9-11 Terrorist attacks at its home opener against Absegami High School at Carey Stadium. Prior to the 7 p.m. kick-off both high schools will walk onto the field with family, friends and guests who are serving or have served in the armed forces and as first responders.
