KINGS POINT, NEW YORK, September 12, 2024 – Yesterday, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) hosted a solemn ceremony and other observances to remember and honor the first responders and victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001.

During the ceremony, the Regiment of Midshipmen saluted as the flag was lowered to half-staff. Second Class Midshipman Caleb Scheopner lead with a heartfelt prayer, asking for protection and healing over the nation, remembering those serving in the military, those who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks, and those who lost loved ones.

Following the prayer, First Class Midshipman Geoffrey Gumport introduced Captain Robert E. Hughes, Class of 1997, a Master Mariner and Navy Reservist, who addressed the faculty, staff, and Regiment of Midshipmen. CAPT Hughes, a distinguished alumnus, has earned numerous honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal, among others. He currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer for McAllister Towing and Transportation and has held various high-level positions in the maritime industry.

CAPT Hughes shared his experiences and emphasized the importance of service and dedication. He said, “This day has always been special to me, because I took my oath of office on Acceptance Day in 1993. I want you all to remember that it’s the same oath you and I have taken, ‘to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.’ It’s an oath we should take seriously and embody. On this solemn morning 23 years ago, the day started as routine, but by the end, thousands of people didn’t make it past 10 a.m.” 

He added, “If you can take one thing from my brief talk this morning, remember the people who answered the call—those brave firefighters, police officers, and 70 of my neighbors. It’s still emotional for me to talk about, being a Queens native, from an enclave of police and firefighters. Many didn’t make it home. They were doing what they were supposed to do, because they kept their word, they kept that oath— similar to oath you took on Acceptance Day. They were fulfilling their duty, just as we hope you will do when the flag goes up and you’re called to answer our nation’s sealift effort.”  

He finished by saying, “If you take one more thing from this solemn day, I’d like you to Google a name, so they’re not forgotten: Richie Allen, FDNY.”  

After thanking them for their time and wishing them well in their studies, he concluded, “Steer thee well. Acta Non Verba.”

Throughout the day, midshipmen held other remembrances, including a twenty-four-hour watch at USMMA’s September 11th Memorial. A fire truck from Great Neck Vigilant’s Engine (Truck 835) was stationed on Barney Square from 0830 to 1630 in remembrance of the 343 FDNY members who gave the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. They sounded a siren in observance of the major events that occurred on September 11, 2001:

·        0846: North Tower was struck

·        0903: South Tower was struck

·        0937: Pentagon was struck

·        0959: South Tower collapsed

·        1002: Flight 93 crashed in PA

·        1028: North Tower collapsed

Members of the EMS Squad wore full Battle Dress Uniforms (BDU) throughout the day to support not only the USMMA EMS Squad who responded to the events on 9/11 and the days after, but also all first responders who lost their lives due to the impacts of 9/11.

In the evening, 105 midshipmen aboard 8 vessels re-created the boat lift response by Kings Pointers who, upon seeing the towers burning on 9/11, left the Academy and sailed into lower Manhattan.

Yesterday’s midshipmen-led events reaffirmed the Academy’s unwavering commitment to the values of duty, honor, and service. Through their action’s midshipmen ensured that the legacy of those who served and sacrificed on September 11, 2001, lives on. Their actions personify the Academy’s motto, Acta Non Verba.

Click here to see photos: September 11, 2024 Observances | U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (usmma.edu)

###

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y, educates and graduates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Academy, which was established under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1943. It is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.