Ocean City 9/11 Ceremony Set for 6 P.M. Wednesday

The city's annual 9/11 Ceremony will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 11) at Ocean City Fire Department headquarters on Asbury Avenue.

The street will be closed to traffic as the community gathers for the "As I Remember" program to reflect on the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. 

"I hope you will join us in front of the firehouse at 550 Asbury Avenue for this meaningful and solemn event," Mayor Jay Gillian said in letter to the public.

The program is being held at the place where last year a memorial sculpture featuring an artifact from the World Trade Center was dedicated. The annual event is supported by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion posts and typically draws hundreds of community members.

Gillian will be the keynote speaker, and there will be an invocation and remarks by Rev. Brian Roberts, St. Peter’s UMC.

The L/Cpl. George Dramis Marine Corps  Color Guard will present the colors, Julia Mary Wilson will sing the National Anthem and the Flag Salute will be led by Bob Marzulli, Commander of the American Legion Post and Michael Morrissey,  Commander of the VFW.

Ocean City Chief of Fire and Rescue Services, Christopher Breunig, will open the program with the Striking of the Four Fives. Laying of the wreath will be by City Police and Fire representatives. Wreath was donated by Spinning Wheel Florists.

"Amazing Grace" will be performed by Jack Meehan Bagpipes and the benediction will be rendered by Rev. Gregory Johnson of the Shiloh Baptist Church. Nadeen Nelson will sing "God Bless America" to conclude the program. City administrator, Michael Dattilo, will introduce dignitaries and emcee the event.