Past Events
The Washington, D.C. Honors America's Heroes of Freedom Tribute · September 11, 2002
America's Heroes of Freedom would like to thank all of its kind sponsors and volunteers for supporting our event "Washington, D.C. Honors America's Heroes of Freedom" organized for the surviving Pentagon family members of 9/11/01. We are so thankful that this tribute and reception was extremely well attended by over 2,500 individuals. Many Pentagon families expressed their fulfillment with tears during the evening tribute and at the preceding reception where they reunited with other surviving families to share the details of their lives over the past year. Joining them were a King and Queen from Africa, ambassadors from different nations, journalists from around the world, U.S. military generals, senators, police and fire department officials and members, emergency rescue workers, and community workers who have aided in the healing process. Many touching stories have been told. For example, two children at the reception asked Julie Laipply — Miss Virginia USA 2002 — who attended the event if they could have their pictures taken with her. She later learned and related to us that the two children had lost their father during last year's terrorist attack on the Pentagon, and that they smiled for the first time in an entire year. "Thank you for putting this together," said Ms. Laipply. "It gave us the opportunity to make a difference in their lives." Additionally, Olympic medalists and Washington Capitols hockey players signed autographs for the children of the Pentagon families as part of a special wishes program to meet their heroes.
The tribute at the D.A.R. Constitution Hall allowed family members to commemorate that difficult day by sharing time together in patriotism, singing, and joyful laughter. Adrian Cronauer of "Good Morning Vietnam" fame was an excellent host who brought encouragement, humor and warmth to the evening. The event opened with the Arlington Fire Department Color Guard marching in procession with unflinching resoluteness to gallant bagpipe music. Throughout the evening, Mr. Cronauer introduced different guest speakers including police departments, fire fighters and emergency rescue workers. One of the most endearing appearances was a rescue dog from Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue, named Otto; Otto was one of the dogs that helped search through the wreckage for survivors at the Pentagon last year, and despite his discipline he eagerly offered kisses to anyone who got too close!
Craig Sincock, who created the peer-support organization, The Pentagon Angels, after his wife, Cheryle, died in the attack on the Pentagon, spoke of the healing process that has needed to take place for the families. He has since forwarded family requests for video copies of the America's Heroes of Freedom event, and efforts by the event team are being made to meet this very special need.
The celebrities who came to perform for the families made the evening all the more heartwarming. Roberta Flack, Randy Travis and Ron Kenoly performed to standing ovations. The Nelson Brothers who have also suffered the personal tragedy of their father's plane crash, led the audience in singing "One More Night" in a very touching moment, and a 100-member D.C. choir saluted the Heroes of the Sky from United Airlines and American Airlines by singing "I Believe I Can Fly." Vocalist Mark Luna's ending performance was a powerful a capella delivery of "God Bless the U.S.A." resounded by every attendee as they joined hands in the hall. The event closed with musicians and celebrities being joined on stage by Mohammed Ali and 17 Olympic medalists.
In addition, America's Heroes of Freedom was able to arrange sponsorship of 12 motor coaches to pick-up the Pentagon families from the airports, hotels and other locations and take them to the ceremony at the Pentagon and to other scheduled Department of Defense events. AHOF was also able to arrange a special sponsorship to provide the families lunch on the premises of the Pentagon after their morning commemoration ceremony and for a reception at the Organization of American States (OAS).
Susan Brewer, Founder and President of America's Heroes of Freedom states, "It was important to us that 'Washington D.C. Honors America's Heroes of Freedom' not be a memorial but to become a tribute to our fallen heroes and an encouragement of their surviving families and an honoring of those who daily put their lives on the line to save the lives of others."
Senior Board Member Adrian Ko shared, "It was a powerful and emotional event. People were either fighting to hold back the tears or were crying all out. The healing process has begun, and we the team of America's Heroes of Freedom are honored to help our fellow Americans in that."
America's Heroes of Freedom wishes to thank all who supported this event and stood by it to ensure that the Pentagon families, survivors and rescue workers got the tribute and commemoration that they so deserved. United we stand.
America's Heroes of Freedom is a non-profit organization dedicated to commemorating those heroes who gave their lives and to those who participate in the rescue and recovery efforts after a public tragedy.
|
