A mix of members from FDNY and Patterson, N.J. fire departments stand at attention as honor guard at the Whitfords’ annual Sept. 11 ceremony. TED PFIRRMANN PHOTOS 
Roger Whitford built a tribute in his front yard to memorialize all those lost Sept. 11, 2001.
The American flag is flown from the ladder of a Lewes Fire Department truck.
A memorial to Mark Whitford.
Sgt. Daniel Salfas leads the Delaware State Police Pipes & Drums into position.
The large crowd attends this year’s event. Each year, the event gets bigger and bigger.
Greg Fuller of American Legion Post 28 hits a high note.
Father Brian Lewis of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church recites a prayer for those lost.
Capt. Bill Butler, FDNY retired, gives heartfelt testimony.
Roger and Carol Whitford talk about their son, Mark.
Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck, speaks about what it means to be an American.
Lee Murphy speaks to the crowd.
A mix of members from FDNY and Patterson, N.J. fire departments stand at attention as honor guard at the Whitfords’ annual Sept. 11 ceremony. TED PFIRRMANN PHOTOS
Roger Whitford built a tribute in his front yard to memorialize all those lost Sept. 11, 2001.
The American flag is flown from the ladder of a Lewes Fire Department truck.
A memorial to Mark Whitford.
Sgt. Daniel Salfas leads the Delaware State Police Pipes & Drums into position.
The large crowd attends this year’s event. Each year, the event gets bigger and bigger.
Greg Fuller of American Legion Post 28 hits a high note.
Father Brian Lewis of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church recites a prayer for those lost.
Capt. Bill Butler, FDNY retired, gives heartfelt testimony.
Roger and Carol Whitford talk about their son, Mark.
Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck, speaks about what it means to be an American.
Lee Murphy speaks to the crowd.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Mark Whitford reported for duty on FDNY Engine 23. He wasn’t supposed to be working that day, but he was needed to fill in for somebody who was taking the lieutenant’s exam. Mark never made it home that fateful day, leaving behind a wife and twin 1-year-old boys. He was a beloved son and sibling to two brothers and one sister. He loved being outdoors, hiking, climbing, scuba diving. Most of all, he loved a challenge.
His parents, Roger and Carol Whitford, are still trying to gather up the pieces the best they can. Each year, they hold a memorial ceremony at 17181 Minos Conway Road near Lewes to honor and remember those lost, and each year the event grows larger.
“The main reason I do it is because we never want to forget,” said Roger. “Since I’ve built this [memorial], I’ve had more people come by here. They come to my door, they tell me their stories, we all cry, and we have a beer together. A lot of the stories people never told before. It makes them feel good, which makes me feel good.”
To learn more, go to whitford.vip.
A mix of members from FDNY and Patterson, N.J. fire departments stand at attention as honor guard at the Whitfords’ annual Sept. 11 ceremony. TED PFIRRMANN PHOTOS
Roger Whitford built a tribute in his front yard to memorialize all those lost Sept. 11, 2001.
The American flag is flown from the ladder of a Lewes Fire Department truck.
A memorial to Mark Whitford.
Sgt. Daniel Salfas leads the Delaware State Police Pipes & Drums into position.
The large crowd attends this year’s event. Each year, the event gets bigger and bigger.
Greg Fuller of American Legion Post 28 hits a high note.
Father Brian Lewis of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church recites a prayer for those lost.
Capt. Bill Butler, FDNY retired, gives heartfelt testimony.
Roger and Carol Whitford talk about their son, Mark.
Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck, speaks about what it means to be an American.
Lee Murphy speaks to the crowd.Event Details :
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