KINGS POINT, NEW YORK, September 10, 2022 – This morning, 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. 

The ceremony began with Regimental Public Affairs Officer, Midshipman Dante Spina, welcoming guests, faculty, and staff to USMMA and thanking them for their attendance. He said, “we stand here at this hour to remember the innocent lives lost, and those who answered the call in our Nation’s time of need,” adding, “when the Academy community saw what was happening in Manhattan, midshipmen, faculty, and staff sprang into action. The words, ‘Acta Non Verba’ were truly exemplified by those courageous men and women who went forth to help. Today, we remember and recognize their valiant efforts.” 

Next,  Midshipman Kyle Goolsby, 1/C, led the gathering in a prayer, “in remembrance of those lost 21 years ago.” His prayer also included words of thanksgiving, “for people with the character and resolve to help others in their most desperate moments.” He said, “as future leaders in our Nation’s military and maritime industry, fill us with the same courage.” 

Then, Regimental Adjutant, Midshipman Madison Demos formally recognized current USMMA faculty and staff*, who responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center the read the Presidential Proclamation on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, 2022, the official ceremony concluded with the USMMA Regimental Band playing “Taps.” 

The Regiment of Midshipmen held other remembrances throughout the day. The Plebe Class is keeping a 24-hour watch near a fire truck parked on Barney Square, in honor of the victims and first responders, and the EMS squad sounded sirens at intervals that coincide with the timeline of September 11th, 2001.
 

1. 0846 - AA Flight 11 crashes into North Tower of One World Trade Center, NYC
2. 0903 - UA Flight 175 crashes into South Tower of One World Trade Center, NYC
3. 0937 - AA Flight 77 crashes into the Western Facade of the Pentagon, DC
4. 0959 - South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses 
5. 1007 - UA Flight 93 crashes in Somerset County Pennsylvania
6. 1028 - North Tower of the World Trade Center collapses 

* Current USMMA faculty and staff who were awarded the

Department of Transportation Outstanding Unit Award for their 9/11 response:

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