Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 of Lewes held a Sept. 11 ceremony to pay homage to heroes and victims of the terrorist attacks in 2001.

About 55 members and seven volunteers were present, many in their finest red-white-and-blue attire, to watch the slide show prepared by Elks member Charlie Kortlang, a lieutenant who retired after a distinguished career in the fire service.  

In his presentation, Kortlang shared uncommon photos and little-known facts many in attendance had never before seen or heard. Emphasis was given to the firefighters, police officers, first responders, military members and ordinary citizens whose courage and sacrifice defined that day.

In particular, Kortlang described the response to the Coast Guard announcement, "Calling All Boats," in which all available boats in the area were needed to evacuate citizens from Lower Manhattan. It remains the largest water rescue in U.S. history with more than 500,000 people rescued by boat in under nine hours.