ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller today honored 9/11 Day of Remembrance in Maryland, participating in events throughout the day to honor those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, including 69 Marylanders.
“Twenty two years ago, our world changed forever. This isn’t just a day of mourning—it is a day of gratitude,” said Gov. Moore. “We feel gratitude for the first responders who rushed to the scene, we feel gratitude for the Americans who answered the call to serve and deployed to defend our freedom overseas. Today, as we climb these stairs, let’s recommit ourselves to living with courage, grace, grit, fearlessness, and with an abiding commitment to leaving no one behind.”
Early this morning, the governor joined Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Woods,
Team Red, White & Blue’s Executive Director Mike Erwin, and Team Red White and Blue's Board of Directors Chair Coleman Ruiz and members of the Maryland National Guard for a stair climb at Camden Yards in Baltimore. The event paid tribute to the 2,200 steps that firefighters climbed from the ground floor to the top floor of the World Trade Centers in New York City as they worked to save the lives of those trapped in the towers.
"9/11 is a somber and meaningful day to Maryland's veterans. Many of those who wore the uniform decided to serve because of the events that day,” said Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Woods. “For Maryland's veterans and National Guard members to join Gov. Moore, a fellow veteran, on this anniversary adds new meaning to this day. We are thankful to Team RWB for organizing events like this across the country that enable veterans to build community.”
“September 11th marks a moment of profound significance for our nation. It not only united us in grief but also galvanized the spirit of service that defines our veterans,” said Team RWB founder and Executive Director Mike Erwin. “The 9/11 Stair Climb is an opportunity for us to remember the fallen, honor the sacrifice, and stand alongside veterans as we look ahead with resilience and hope.”
“All of us at Team RWB recognize the significance of the events on 9/11 in many American’s lives, including our nation’s veterans,” said Team RWB's Board of Directors Chair Coleman Ruiz. “We are humbled and grateful to be part of this event with Governor Moore that will so greatly impact the veterans who served in the wars that followed that September 11th day.”
Lt. Gov. Miller and First Lady Moore joined the Anne Arundel County police and fire departments for a memorial ceremony and wreath laying. In 2001, members of the Anne Arundel County fire and police departments were sent to assist the New York City Police Department at Ground Zero, as well as at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. The ceremony was held at the 9/11 Memorial outside of the Anne Arundel County Police Department's headquarters.
“22 years have passed since the terrorist attacks that shook the resolve of our nation — but we persevered,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “Today, we pause to solemnly remember those we have lost, and to honor those who rushed into action to save the lives of their fellow Americans. We continue to commend the eternal bravery of the armed service members and first responders fighting to defend our freedoms and keep us safe.”
“September 11, 2001 is a day we will never forget, as it changed the trajectory of our country. We remember those we lost and honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to save others,” said First Lady Moore. “This day is personal for me, as my grandfather helped build the Twin Towers in New York, and father worked to clean the debris following that tragic day. I am proud to stand with our first responders in tribute, and help honor our armed service members — as we thank them for their continued service to our state and country.”
Following the stair climb, Governor Moore visited the Baltimore National Cemetery with Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Maryland National Guard Adjutant General Janeen L. Birckhead, and members of the Maryland National Guard. The governor participated in a memorial service and planted flags, placed flowers, and cleaned headstones at the cemetery.
Lt. Gov. Miller and First Lady Moore later joined players and staff of the Baltimore Orioles and St. Louis Cardinals at Camden Yards to assemble more than 70 care packages for active duty military members and first responders. In commemoration of the September 11 National Day of Service, the event was held in partnership with Operation We Care, which was founded in Salisbury and assembles more than 2,000 care packages a year to send to deployed troops.