Ocean City Remembers 9/11 in Somber Ceremony

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Ocean City Fire Department headquarters on Wednesday evening to pay respects to the victims of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.  

The 23rd annual “A Day to Remember” memorial ceremony featured music, prayer, and speakers reflecting on the tragedy. Mayor Jay Gillian opened the ceremony, focusing on the importance of people’s mental health following the attacks. 

“There are not many people who lived through 9/11 that were not affected in some way,” Gillian said during his speech. “Long after the memorial services ended and the World Trade Center was rebuilt, there are many people who are still scarred by that day. It's a reminder about the importance of mental health and helping people whose scars are invisible.” 

After Gillian’s words, Police Chief Bill Campbell, Fire Chief Bernie Walker and Firefighter Brian Green spoke to the crowd.  

    Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian delivers remarks.
  

Green was one of three Ocean City Fire Department members who volunteered to help respond in New York City shortly after the attacks. He recalled his experience in detail. 

“We gathered all the gear we deemed necessary that we may need to utilize,” Green said. “We rendezvoused on the parkway with the Cape May County Task Force and headed north, hoping to be able to assist the rescue.” 

Green said when they arrived in Manhattan, they were alerted that it was no longer a rescue mission, but a recovery mission. 

“It was a tough blow that they no longer expected any survivors to be found,” Green said. “We took turns roaming around ground zero trying to help anyone in need. The men and women of FDNY were amazing, withered, weak, nearly beaten, but not one of them would leave until all missing fire press personnel were recovered. Their faces are forever etched in my mind.” 

Green said he was proud when he saw the large crowd outside of the Ocean City Fire Department headquarters to pay tribute to those affected by the attacks. 

“When so many people showed up today, I was so proud,” Green said. 

    Ocean City police officers salute during the ceremony.
  

Following Green’s speech was the “Striking of the Four Fives,” a custom dating back to the 19th century that is used by firefighters across the country to pay tribute to those who died in the line of duty. 

“The Striking of the Four Fives is a bell sequence utilized throughout the fire service historically to signify the passing of a firefighter in the line of duty,” Walker said. “In older times before pagers or radios, they communicated through bells. The sequence of bells, alarms and the strike on the four fives was one of the most honored messages that signified the passing of a firefighter.” 

The flag outside of the Fire Department headquarters was raised again from half-mast following the Striking of the Four Fives. 

“Keeping the memory alive of those individuals is what’s important,” Walker said. “The younger generation of firefighters, EMS, and police that are coming into the service weren't alive or they were little kids when it happened. They don't remember it, so keeping that memory alive moving forward is what’s important.”

    The ceremony unfolds outside the Ocean City Fire Department headquarters on Asbury Avenue.
  

    A memorial wreath is a stark reminder of the tragedy.
  

    Boy Scouts carrying flags march in procession.
  

    Hundreds of people line Asbury Avenue to watch the ceremony.
  

    A large American flag hovers over the fire department.