Last week, on the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, both of us were humbled to join neighbors, friends and family at the home of Carol and Roger Whitford. The Whitfords’ son Mark, a captain in the U.S. Army and member of the New York City fire department, was among the thousands of innocent people whose lives were taken from us that Tuesday morning. Mark was a husband and dad to two 1-year-old twin boys, and also a beloved son and brother. Scriptures tell us in John 15:13 that “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” We can all agree that Mark’s sacrifice went further, as he gave his life not just for friends, but for those he tried to save, whom he had never met.
Today, we wish to echo a request made by the Whitford family during the remembrance at their home, as they seek community support toward a scholarship fund in honor of Mark. That scholarship will go to a local student who, like Mark, has a background in athletics and uses their sport to overcome challenges in life. We live in a place here in the Cape Region where we celebrate our children and all of their successes. While we are proud public servants, we are even more blessed to be parents of student-athletes and have been fortunate to see from the sidelines how participation in athletics can build confidence, character and good health.
It is for this reason and so many more that we thank the Whitford family for their thoughtful support and embrace of our local youth in the name of their beautiful son, Mark. Their hospitality and grace extend even further as Carol and Roger open their front yard daily along Minos Conaway Road for all who wish to walk through the powerful 9/11 memorial garden which serves as yet another beautiful tribute honoring their son.
Please join us in an exchange of kindness and grace, and celebrate Mark’s life by making a donation and showing your support: Mark P. Whitford Scholarship Fund, 17181 Minos Conaway Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
Thank you for giving us the greatest of honors in serving you in the Delaware General Assembly.
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