On 9/11, Ocean City Pauses to Remember

For many Americans, the memories and emotions of Sept. 11, 2001 are still fresh.

But a new generation of schoolchildren was born after the tragic events 12 years ago. One of them was fifth-grader Julia Wilson, who sang the National Anthem at Ocean City's annual 9/11 ceremony on Wednesday evening in front of Ocean City Fire Department headquarters.

In thanking Wilson for her beautiful singing, the Rev. Brian Roberts noted that she was learning about the events in school. He said it's important for young Americans to learn and for older Americans to remember.

That theme of remembering ran through the entire ceremony.

Fire Chief Chris Breunig opened the ceremony with the "striking of the four fives." The sequence of bell rings symbolizes the death of a firefighter in the line of duty — 412 first responders died on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Time has passed, but the memories have not faded for any of us," Mayor Jay Gillian said in his keynote address. "However, we must remember that in just another year or so, our schools will be filled with a generation of young people who have no such memories. It is up to us, as community members, parents and grandparents to insure that those who follow us have an understanding of the terrible act that was inflicted upon our country that day. It's equally important to understand and appreciate how America responded."

Deputy Fire Chief Jim Smith and Ocean City Police Ptl. Doug Swillo performed the ceremonial laying of the wreath.

"We will always stand proud for what it is to be an American," the Rev. Gregory Johnson of Shiloh Baptist Church said in his benediction, thanking "the men and women behind me," noting the firefighters and police officers standing in formation.

Nadeen Nelson closed the ceremony with "God Bless America."