Great Lakes CPO’s Commemorate 9/11

Naval Station Great Lakes
Story by John Sheppard

Date: 09.11.2019
Posted: 09.11.2019 13:24
News ID: 339713
Great Lakes CPO’s Commemorate 9/11

Navy chief petty officer (CPO)-selectees in Great Lakes conducted a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Sept. 11, in honor of the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“Today, we remember those whose lives were taken, those who were injured, and those few survivors who were recovered from the rubble,” said Chief (Select) Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Theodore Beasley, the master of ceremonies for the event.

The CPO-selectees commemorated the anniversary by honoring those who perished in the attacks, as well as highlighting American resolve and unity.

“For all Americans, from that day on, the phrase ‘nine-eleven’ has had a special meaning,” said Beasley. “It recalls a moment in American history when the world as we knew it changed forever.”

Two CPO-selectees offered their memories of 9/11. Chief (Select) Damage Controlman Gregory Schwartz, a native New Yorker, was in high school on the day the attacks occurred. “We all stood in shock,” Schwartz recalled. “We became stronger because of it.”

The CPO-selectees then performed a bell-ringing ceremony while narrating the timeline, ending with President Bush’s address to the nation from the White House that evening.

A flag was presented to Fire Chief Jeffrey Lanaville of Great Lakes Fire & Emergency Services, who represented first responders. “We’re grateful to the Naval Station for remembering first responders today,” said Lanaville. “It doesn’t get any easier over the years. Still, we press forward.”

The ceremony ended with a rifle salute and Taps.