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Ceremony honors lives lost Sept. 11, 2001

Whitford family continues tradition of remembering son, others who died
Members of the FDNY stand in front of the Whitford home outside Lewes for the family’s annual Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony. NICK ROTH PHOTOS
Nick Roth
September 11, 2025

The Whitford family hosted its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony at their home on a mild, overcast afternoon near Lewes. 

In a memorial event that continues to grow each year, Roger and Carol Whitford maintained the annual tradition of honoring their son Mark and all 2,977 people who died during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Mark was one of 343 firefighters to lose their lives that day. A member of Fire Department of New York's Engine 23, Mark arrived with his crew after the second plane hit, and they entered the south tower to fight the fire. They reached the 21st floor before the tower collapsed. 

This year’s event featured the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums, whose members walked down Minos Conaway Road to the Whitfords’ home, where they played “Amazing Grace.” Featured speakers included the Rev. Karis Graham, Eric Smith, Phillip Cruz and Carol Webster, each of whom told personal stories of the day.

Also participating were Suzette Chambers, who sang the national anthem; Greg Fuller, who gave the opening prayer; Joe DiMartino of the FDNY, who explained the 5, 5, 5, 5 fire service tradition to signal a firefighter has died in the line of duty; and Pastor John Betts, who gave the closing prayer. 

Sgt. Dan Salfas leads the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums to the Whitford home.
Roger Whitford embraces one of the volunteers who help make the event possible.
Carol and Roger Whitford thank everyone who attended the annual event.
Joe DeMartino of the FDNY explains the 5, 5, 5, 5 fire service tradition where a bell is struck five times, repeated four times, with pauses in between. This solemn signal honors a firefighter who has died in the line of duty.
Sept. 11 remembrance shirts and flags are always abound at the Whiftford’s ceremony.
The Whitford family’s remembrance ceremony grows every year.
Among those holding hands are (l-r) Phillip Cruz, Roger Whitford, Carol Whitford, the Rev. Karis Graham and Carol Webster.
Phillip Cruz talks about the day he was late for work at the World Trade Center and the survivor’s guilt he’s felt for the last 24 years.
Carol Webster arrived at the World Trade Center via the subway just after the first plane hit the Twin Towers. She said God guided her to safety as she was surrounded by chaos.
A large crowd attends the Whitford family’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
Eric Smith is a government employee who experienced the terrorist attacks.
The Rev. Karis Graham of Community Lutheran Church was at a dog park near the Pentagon when the plane flew very low over her head. She then served several tours overseas in the years after.
Greg Fuller gives the opening prayer.
Dennis Whitford welcomes everyone to the annual remembrance ceremony.
Sussex County Republican Committee Chair Daniel Willis says how important it is to educate the next generation about Sept. 11 and the true meaning of freedom.
Pipe major Robert Galloway plays the bagpipe with the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums.
Members of the Lewes Fire Department watch the ceremony in their turnout gear.
The Whitford family created a memorial for their son in the front yard of their Minos Conaway Road home. The memorial is open to the public every day of the year.

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Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams. 

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