Georgetown hosts tribute to 9/11 victims
Just before the start of a 9/11 tribute ceremony in Georgetown, organizer Levin Clark thanked the first responders in attendance. “I really appreciate you all being here. We couldn’t do it without you. I can’t put enough words out to thank you all for being here,” he said.
The ceremony, marking the 18th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, was also an event to honor first responders and celebrate America.
The event at the Georgetown Little League complex featured a flyover by the historic B-25 World War II bomber Panchito. The ceremony was attended by local police officers, paramedics and volunteer firefighters representing Sussex County’s first responders.
Several speakers came to the stage to talk about that day when nearly 3,000 Americans were killed.
Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, called the attacks his generation’s Pearl Harbor. “They thought the attacks were going to divide us. They were wrong because they did not understand the American spirit,” he said. “It’s our duty to never forget.”
Korean War veteran Walter Koopman of Georgetown said terrorists are still living on American soil. “Today, you need to know your surroundings. We live in a different world today than we did prior to 18 years ago, Sept. 11, 2001,” he said.
Other speakers included Georgetown Police Chief R.L. Hughes and former Sussex County Councilman Rob Arlett. Cathy Gorman of Georgetown sang the national anthem and William Kittrell of Seaford offered a prayer for 9/11 victims. The County Seat cruisers had a cruise-in during the event.
