KINGS POINT, NEW YORK, September 11, 2014 – Today the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) hosted a brief ceremony 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 stood and saluted as the flag was lowered to half-staff.  Academy Chaplain, LCDR Jerry Durham opened with a prayer. “For those who lost their lives on board flight 93….We remember.  For those who lost their lives at the Pentagon….We remember.  For those who lost their lives just a few miles away from here at the World Trade Center….We remember.,” said Durham. “I am honored to stand here today with men and women who stand ready respond to the call of the American people.  I ask now God for a special measure of grace and comfort for those families who’s loved ones were tragically lost.  Be with them today as they gather to remember, and assure them that we stand with them in their grief and feel a measure of their loss.”

Afterward, Academy Superintendent, Rear Admiral James A. Helis, addressed the faculty, staff and Regiment of Midshipmen. He recalled the tremendous response by over 150 midshipmen and midshipmen EMTS, who, joined by Academy faculty staff, mobilized to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts. Over the course of nine days, USMMA assets moved in excess of 1,500 firefighters, EMT’s, police officers, and other rescue personnel; and moved several tons of food, water, rescue supplies and materiel from locations in Brooklyn and New Jersey to the landing area at North Cove.  He then spoke of the contributions of Kings Pointers in the thirteen years of war that followed the attacks and of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation since 9/11.   He charged the Midshipmen to ask themselves what they do each day to prepare themselves for the challenges they will face when they are called to serve the nation in its time of need.

Then Admiral Helis and the Academy’s youngest Plebe, Chase Hinkle, laid a wreath at the War Memorial. The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute and a bugler playing taps.

As part of the Class of 2018 spirit mission, Plebes have had other remembrances. They hung banners in honor of the victims and heroes of  New York City Police Department and Fire Department of the City of New York and displayed the names of every victim on Barney Square and in the barracks.  They also honored them by keeping a twenty-four hour vigil at the USMMA September 11th Memorial.