9/11 remembrance ceremony held at Delaware Military Academy

It’s been 13 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks, and across the nation Americans are commemorating the solemn anniversary.

In Delaware, Governor Jack Markell attended a remembrance ceremony at the Delaware Military Academy, where he reflected on the courageous efforts that Americans displayed following the attacks.

“We saw police and firefighters rushing toward the burning sites of the attacks to save as many people as possible and more first responders followed coming from great distances to offer assistance,” Markell said. “Americans extended a generous hand to neighbors and strangers who lost family and friends and many were inspired to serve, signing up for our volunteer military.”

Markell said the anniversary allows the nation to mourn the loss of the victims and honor those who stood up to protect the country.

“On the one hand we take this opportunity to mourn those whose lives were lost on that fateful day 13 years ago and to remember the men and women of our armed forces, including some of Delaware’s heroes, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of protecting our freedoms in the conflicts that followed,” Markell said. “At the same time, this ceremony and those happening around the country today remind us of our nation’s strength, of the extraordinary character of so many Americans, and so many Delawareans, exhibit[ed] in the most difficult, trying circumstances.”

While the more than 500 DMA cadets are too young to remember where they were or what they were doing during that fateful day in 2001, Commandant Anthony Pullella said the anniversary is a teachable moment for the students.

“Many of these young men and women, or cadets, standing proudly with us today, will serve in some form or fashion to take our country to the next level,” Pullella said. “They embrace and exemplify our core values of honor, courage, and commitment and I’m confident that they will be well prepared for the challenges and hardships that tomorrow will surely provide.”

The ceremony concluded with a 21 gun salute.