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WHEELING – In near perfect weather on Saturday, hundreds of people made their way to the ‘9/11, we’ll never forget’ commemoration event at the Ohio County Airport in conjunction with the 75th anniversary celebration. airport anniversary.
Sponsored by the Ohio County Commission, events were held throughout the day as part of the Ohio County Airport event “Honoring Heroes: Flying Into The Future”.
In addition to a solemn commemoration ceremony, hosted by the American Legion Post # 1, Wheeling, and the Ohio County Commission, other activities were held throughout the day for the whole family.
The 9/11 commemoration ceremony began with a greeting from Master of Ceremonies and former US Legion Department Commander John Powell, followed by the presentation of the colors by the Wheeling Post # 1. The invocation was delivered by Thomas Rentfrow (with Post # 1) followed by the national anthem by the West Liberty University Choir and Greg McCroskey (Post # 1) leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Guest speaker West Virginia Senator Ryan Weld, a lawyer and Air Force reserve captain who served as an intelligence officer on deployments to Afghanistan in the late 2000s, spoke of the “feelings of closeness and vulnerability “that all Americans experienced in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
“Meanwhile, it was our collective tragedy that brought us together,” Weld explained. “In 2001, in the days and weeks following the 11th, the Americans banded together and did all they could to help the cities that were attacked, the people who were injured that day, and the families who were injured. lost someone they were caring for, ”Weld said. . “Blood drives have taken place. People from across the country flocked to New York City to help with the rescue and cleanup efforts at the World Trade Center site. … In the process, it was in the collective spirit of volunteerism that brought us together as a nation, ”he added.
Weld then spoke of the thousands of veterans from Afghanistan who recently set up a grassroots operation to help those who once helped us escape the Taliban, and how they came together with that same collective spirit that s ‘is produced with the nation after 9/11. Weld then spoke about the heroic story of Todd Beamer, who was on board United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked and crashed in connection with the September 11, 2001 attacks. Beamer was one of the passengers. who tried to take back control of the hijacker plane.
“On September 11, Todd Beamer ended his stay here on earth. … He did not die like a cold and timid soul. He spent himself for a good cause. And I believe that’s the lesson not only of 9/11, but also of the past 20 years – the lesson of our strength as Americans, that we will always live up to what we can accomplish together ” , explained Weld. “God bless those who were lost 20 years ago and may God continue to bless the United States of America,” he added.
Other ceremony attendees included: H. Keith Brown, American Legion No. 1 Station Commander, made a welcoming statement and led the POW MIA table ceremony, with Michelle Powell, with the American Legion Auxiliary leading the military children’s table ceremony. Additional remarks were made by Brown, Ohio County Emergency Management Agency Director Lou Vargo, and Ohio County Sheriff Tom Howard. Mary Jo Guidi delivered a message from Senator Joe Manchin. Betsy McFarland performed Amazing Grace with the bagpipe and the West Liberty University Choir also performed the American Anthem and America the Beautiful. Rentfrow presented the blessing.
In addition to music, a climbing wall and other activities, members of the Hilltoppers Flying Club put on a flight show with their radio controlled planes. C Company, 1st Battalion, 150th Army National Guard Aviation Regiment, based at the airport, also organized tours of heavy military equipment.
Powell, who worked at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., On September 11, said it was a “very dark” day for him. He said that many veterans and first responders over the past 20 years have dedicated their lives to the fight against terrorism and that honoring the 20th anniversary of September 11 is essential. Powell said he was grateful to the Ohio County Commission for hosting the event.
“I think it’s a great success and I thank them for what they have done to honor veterans and first responders,” commented Powell.
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