9/11 Community Service of Remembrance Held on Courthouse Green

Throughout the morning, the Denton Volunteer Fire Company's whistle blew once at the same times as both twin towers and the pentagon were struck. A moment of silence was observed following each whistle at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., and 9:37 a.m., respectively. A moment of silence was held concurrently at 9:37 a.m. for the passengers of Flight 93, which crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:03 a.m.

Youth Kristen Singer performed the National Anthem and God Bless America during the beginning of the service.

President of the Caroline County Commissioners Travis Breeding read a proclamation recognizing the anniversary of 9/11.

Retired United States Army Colonel Franklin Childress gave an address to the crowd, drawing on his personal story of the events on September 11 to urge attendees to follow their faith. Col. Childress was, by chance, not at his desk at the Pentagon when hijackers crashed into that exact spot. Many of Col. Childress’ co-workers died as a result of the collision. He does not credit luck for him having chosen to stay home that day to receive a shipment, rather, he credits God.

Clergy urged those in attendance to see the first responders in the crowd, to recognize the sacrifices made by first responders during the 9/11 attacks, and to place a hand on them as a prayer was said.

Dressed in traditional wear, current Caroline County Assistant States Attorney Joel Todd played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes next to the courthouse steps. Earlier in the program, a recording of Allan Jackson’s “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning” was played to a silent crowd.

The program for the 9/11 Community Service of Remembrance reads, “This tragic event not only highlights the incredible bravery of first responders, ordinary citizens, and military personnel who risked their lives to save others but also brought the nation closer together. In our shared grief and resolve, many found a return to their spiritual roots and foundations, seeking solace and strength in faith and community.”

Colonel Richardson High School junior Natalie Foster played Taps on her trumpet following the last moment of silence to close out the service.

Pastor Doug Morely bid farewell to the crowd after the playing of Taps. He made sure to thank those involved in the event; the event’s Planning Committee consisting of himself, Rev. Bonnie Shively, Mrs. Cathy Johnson, and Rev. John Allen; the Caroline County Commissioners Frank Bartz, Travis Breeding, and Larry Porter; Caroline County’s Public Information Officer Jennifer Reibly; the Denton Town Councilmembers and Town Manager Scott Getchell; the Caroline County Sheriff's Department and Honor Guard under Sheriff Donald Baker; the Town of Denton Police Department under Chief George Bacorn; the Caroline County Department of Emergency Services and EMS Division Chief KJ Marvel; the event’s musical performers Kristen Singer, Natalie Foster, and Joel Todd; the Caroline County Fire Chiefs Association under Chief Doug Higgs as well as all surrounding Volunteer Fire Companies; speakers Captain Daniel Rieck and Colonel Franklin Childress; Sharper Graphics, Inc.; Fleegle and Helfenbein Funeral Home; Rev. Kevin Hall; and Greater Impact church.