Early this morning, hundreds of county residents, police officers, politicians, and firefighters descended on police and fire headquarters in Millersville to commemorate September 11, 2001 at the newly completed Anne Arundel County 911 Memorial.
The event opened with a color guard consisting of Anne Arundel County Police and Fire Honor Guard Units as well as Boy Scouts representing Troops 550 from Linthicum and 918 from Severna Park.
The Annapolis Chorale was on hand to sing America The Beautiful and My County Tis Of Thee.
Speaking at the event were County Executive John R. Leopold who recognized the sacrifices made by the victims of the tragedy, those who continue to fight for our freedoms, and those in the County who are charged with keeping us all safe. He spoke of the effort to create the memorial which was done completely with private funding and volunteer and donated efforts.
The terrorist attacks on our county were a wake up call to every American. This memorial will be a constant reminder of our freedom, unity and vigilance.
–John R. Leopold, Anne Arundel County Executive
I Was Pissed Off
The keynote speaker was Colonel Edward Rothstein, the US Army Installation Commander at Ft. George G. Meade. Rothstein was stationed in Germany on 9-11 and told how the Germans supported the US in the days that followed. In talking about his initial feelings, Colonel Rothstein said he was not scared or frightened, quite frankly, “I was pissed off.” After serving multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rothstein reiterated the sentiments of Leopold and Police Chief Teare and Fire Chief Ray that we are much more prepared to handle whatever comes down the line. Noting that our current fighting force is 100% volunteer, he feels the US is prepared.
After a moment of silence and Taps played by a Fire Department bugler, the ceremony was closed and people circled the monument in quiet reflection. On the backside of the monument, a small bouquet of flowers was placed with a handwritten note, “God bless you and keep you. We remember–we will never forget.”
To view all photos taken this morning, please visit our online gallery. A video of the event will be published a bit later when it is complete.
