Marvin Hume welcomes Mrs. Janice Pansini-Gomez, widow of NYC Firemen Paul Pansini who perished on September 11th. Firefighter Pansini was a member of Engine #10 - serving Lower Manhattan since 1865 www.fdnytenhouse.com
The casket flag of Firefighter Paul Pansini of the New York City Fire Department
My name is John Lynch and I am the Director of Sales and Entertainment for the Wildwoods Convention Center and I will act as your host for today's Ceremony. It is my honor and pleasure to stand here today with you, my fellow Americans, and partake in this special event - the raising and lowering of the 911 Patriot Flag. Today, we have assembled as proud Americans celebrating in one common bond - LOVE of COUNTRY. 

This event today is to honor the men and women who lost there lives on September 11, 2001 - it will honor the 1st and 2nd responders from South Jersey who were called to Ground Zero, Washington, DC and Shanksville, PA in the days, weeks and months following this National Tragedy. Today's ceremony will honor the Brave men and women who wear the uniform of our Armed Forces. Men and women who are currently fighting for freedom throughout the Middle East and beyond. I think it is very obvious that the "thought and prayers" of everyone in this room today are with these brave soldiers. I would like to ask if you would join me in a brief moment of silence and remember the sacrifice that have been made in the name of Freedom since that day horrific day 10 years ago this up coming September 11th.

Ladies and gentlemen,  we are here to celebrate our American flag. A flag made from three colors… three colors that run deep in the heart and soul of every proud American - RED - WHITE and BLUE 

Colors that were first used by the Continental Congress on the Great Seal of the United States, and colors that have defined this great nation for over 235 years - Three Powerful Colors

The Color Red - The American flag contains seven red stripes to represent hardiness and valor, qualities the new nation needed to stand up against it enemies

The Color White -The American flag includes six white stripes, meaning purity and innocence. This was an apt symbol for the birth of a new nation.

The Color Blue - The American flag contains a blue background to symbolize vigilance, perseverance and justice, the qualities of a democratic government.

These three colors, all woven together along with the addition of 50 White Stars produces the single greatest testament to our county - these colors instill a sense of pride in our fellow Americans all the while instills a since of fear into our minds of our enemy's.

Three colors RED - White and Blue, which binds our flag together and represents what WE, as American's stand for - Liberty and Justice For All…

MAY GOD BLESS each and every one of you here today and may GOD BLESS the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!




The 9/11 Patriot Flag Ceremony
Honoring the fallen from the attacks on America on September 11, 2001 and
our First & Second Responders that assisted at Ground Zero from South Jersey.

The Patriot Flag is a 57x30 American Flag that will fly in all
50 States in 50 Weeks leading up to the 10th anniversary of September 11th.

9:40AM
Lower Cape May Regional High School Symphonic School

10AM - Event Starts
John Lynch - MC/Welcome

Colors Presented by the United States Coast Guard, Wildwood American Legion Post 184, North Wildwood VFW Post 5491, and the Knights of Columbus Color Corps
Under the Direction of Vince DePrinzo - retired Marine, Vietnam Vet and the leading force behind the Willdwoods Vietnam Wall

Placement of Paul Pansini Casket Flag by the Wildwood Cub Scout Troop 184 and
LCDR Scott Rea of the United States Coast Guard and Chief Ernst Troiano of the Holly Beach Fire Company

Star Spangled Banner played by the Lower Cape May Regional High School Symphonic School Band
Marvin Hume and Chief Conrad Johnson to assist in the raising of the 911 Patriot Flag.

Pledge Alliance - by the 4th grade of Glenwood Avenue Elementary School
Under the leadership of Mrs. Penrose, Mrs. Sharpe, Mrs. Baumstark and Miss Kozanis

Opening Prayer by LCDR Chaplin Aaron Miller, USCG

Guest Speakers
John Siciliano, Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement &
Development Authority

Chief Conrad Johnson, Wildwood Fire Company and Cape
May County Fire Marshal

Chief James Riley from the NJ Task Force #1 - Onsite at Ground Zero
within hours of the Tower's collapse

State Proclamations
Robert Geist, Field Representative for Congressman Frank LoBiondo
Senator Jeff Van Drew, New Jersey Senate and Assembly 9/11 Flag Proclamation

Arms Forces Salute Medley played by the Lower Cape May High Regional High School Symphonic School Band -
Under the leadership of Band Director - John Drechen

Military Speaker
Representing all of our Armed Forces World Wide, United States Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Eppright, who was called to duty as a reservist as a result of 9/11 and spent many days, hours and weeks working in New York City post 9/11


Honoring
Charles Giles, NYC EMT - 9/11 First Responder to Ground Zero
Ladies and gentlemen it is my honor to welcome to this stage a true American hero. His name is Charles Giles and on September 11th while working as an EMT in the City of New York he was called to the World Trade Center to help with the effort that was nothing more than that of a battleground. What Charles witness and the level of professionalism he exhibited was beyond belief. What is even more unbelievable is that THIS MAN - out ran a collapsing South Tower only to catch his breath, wash his face and clear his eyes of dust to do what he was trained to do: Help those in need … with out thinking of his personal safety, Charles entered the North Tower to administer aid to those injured. Hearing the call of an injured firemen Charles moved upwards to the Mezzanine Deck of the North Tower, remember this is a man who had only moments earlier out ran the fall of the South Tower. While on the Mezzanine Deck, Charles heard a strange sound, which turned out to the collapsing floors above him. Having been injured by falling debris - a quick thinking and quick acting Port Authority Police Officer took Charles to an area that provided enough safety to save both of their lives, Trapped under a massive amount of rubble, the port authority officer was able to radio their location and were freed by NYC Fire and Police Officers on the scene. One of just a few miracles from that tragic day. Charles is still undergoing some major health issues from his heroic actions - and in the short time I have gotten to know him, he has never once complained of his injuries from that day, but prefers to talk of the good he and his fellow EMT's provided on September 11th.  
Before I call Mr. Giles to the stage I would like to honor his wife  --- Diane Giles

Mr. Marvin Hume, WWII Veteran, Sunset Beach Flag to be
introduced by Mr Giles

Janice Pansini-Gomez - Spouse of 9/11 First Responder Paul Pansini to be introduced by Mr Hume.

The Family of Captain Victor Saracini, Pilot of Flight 175
Born and raised in Southern New Jersey, Atlantic City to be exact, former Navy Jet Pilot and United Airlines Pilot, Victor Saracini, was the Captain of the Boeing 767 that was high jacked and later flown into the South Tower on September 11th. A dedicated husband and a father of two beautiful young daughter's life was cut to short by the actions of terrorist who committed an act of war upon this great nation. The goal of our enemy was to divided our country and instill fear into the peaceful way we live our life. Needless to say they did not accomplish their goal as their act of cowardness only strength our resolve to live our lives in a free and democratic society. Today we honor Captain Saracini memory along with the other 65 passengers that were on that ill-fated flight. Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict Mr. Saracini's sister, Joanna Renzi from the Vineland area was not able to attend today's ceremony - though she did write a short note that will be read by Wildwood Firefighter, Mark Gose who was a responder to Ground Zero with Task Force-1

The family of Andy Alameno, Wildwood Crest
On September 11th the Island of Wildwood was rocked when we received the news that one of our Island's own, Andrew Alameno life was lost during the collapse of the North Tower of the World Trade Centre. We have learned with time, the hurt of losing a child from our community begins to fades away …. to the Alameno Family it is only reopened every September as our country yearns to remember the events 9/11.  Andy's sister Susan a local 1st school teacher who on Tuesday dropped off the hand decorated American Flag Poster that are located to my right, made it very clear that the family is honored that Andrew would be a part of today's ceremony. Susan who is one of the sweetest and mild mannered ladies I have ever known made one very forceful request about today's ceremony. And a request is a simple one - that we do not grieve about Andy's passing, but celebrate the memory of their brother and his many positive accomplishments during his short time on earth, which includes a beautiful son and daughter. It's my honor to bring up Lisa Fitzpatrick a life long friend to Andy and the Alameno's as she will say a few words on the family's behalf. *** I would be re-missed not to say - Lisa's father was a proud firefighter in the Wildwoods at the Holly Beach Fire Company for over 32 years.

It's Grand Old Flag performed by the 1st Grade of Crest Memorial School
The student's teacher is Ms. Susan Haury, the sister of Andy Alameno

Closing Prayer by LCDR Chaplin Aaron Miller, USCG

Amazing Grace - the Cape Atlantic Irish Pipe Brigade

Program ends with
Patriotic Medley - played by the Lower Cape May Regional High School Symphonic School Band

Approximately thirty minutes after the conclusion of the event a special lowering and folding of the 9/11 Patriot Flag will take place. You are invited to remain for this ceremony.
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A SPECIAL THANKS TO FEDEX - THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE 9/11 PATRIOT FLAG

Presented by the Sunset Beach Gifts, Cape May County Fire Chiefs Association and the
Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority

Schedule subject to change















Above: Pictured with Janice Pansini-Gomez and her husband Ron a US Navy Veteran

Below: Charles Giles salutes a member of Pack 184 of the Wildwood Cub Scouts
Click the Arrow to play the Video