Salute And Honor

Shootings Across U.S. Claim Lives of Civilian, Military Officers

2015-09-02T12:36:00.003-07:00

FOX LAKE, IiewiczLL -- The shooting death of Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz on Tuesday is the
lastest in a string killings that have claimed the lives of law enforcement officers and military personnel since early spring.

Gliniewicz, the father of four sons, was responding to three suspicious people near Route 12 and Sayton Road in Fox Lake, a town about 60 miles north of Chicago, when the 52-year-old officer was shot, according to ABC7Chicago.

Hundreds of law enforcement, military and marine personnel participated in a 14-hour manhunt for the suspects after he was killed. The manhunt was called off Wednesday, but the investigation of his death and search for the three suspects -- two white and one black -- will continue, according to Lake County Major Crimes Task Force Chief George Filenko.

Links:
http://abc7chicago.com/news/fox-lake-manhunt-ends-after-officer-killed/966463/

Memorial Day Ceremonies Continued Despite Rain, Wind

2015-05-27T09:16:00.001-07:00

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI -- Rain curtailed some outdoor activities during the Memorial Day Weekend, but residents throughout the six counties found ways to honor military personnel who have given their lives to safeguard the U.S. and its way of life.

Several people walked through the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Ocean Springs, leaving bouquets of flowers and other mementos. There was no official ceremony, but flags flew at half-staff, in many countries a symbol of respect, mourning or distress.

In Gautier, rain moved the second annual Avenue of Flags from the state's only Veterans' Tribute Tower outside Gautier City Hall to indoors at American Legion Post 1992, event co-sponsor along with the City of Gautier.

"It turned out wonderful. We knew the weather was going to be bad, so we moved it inside of the building and huge crowds. Everybody was standing and singing God Bless America. Let me tell you, our fallen heroes are not forgotten," said local American Legion Commander Bill Whitely said. -- WLOX TV-13

Gautier Holds Emotional Service to Honor Fallen Soldiers
WLOX TV-13/May

In addition, Veterans Post 2539 and the City of Gulfport paid special recognition to Vietnam veterans Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger and Construction Mechanic 3rd class Marvin Shields, both Medal of Honor recipients, during a Memorial Day ceremony at Jones Park.

The annual service at Biloxi National Cemetery featured Capt. Paul Odenthal, commanding officer of Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport. WLOX reported that more than 200 people showed up for the ceremony that included threatening clouds but people undaunted by the weather. Volunteers had spent the weekend decorating the cemetery's military gravesites with small flags, and reclaimed those flags today.

Veterans Post 139 hosted a ceremony at St. Mary's Cemetery in Bay St. Louis.

D'Lo, which is reported to have had more residents per capita serve in World War II, conducted a service for military personnel who have died in American wars and conflicts.

Memorial Day Services Honor Fallen Soldiers
Sun Herald/May 24, 2015

Remembrance and Celebration Memorial Day has Serious, Lighter Sides
Sun Herald/May 23, 2015

Visit media sets at WLOX TV-13, Sun Herald, and Mississippi Press for online broadcasts, articles and photographs of services and events in South Mississippi.

Family, Friends, Comrades Remember Officer Tate

2015-05-18T12:33:00.001-07:00

HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- The second officer who was gunned down earlier this month was laid to rest when services for Officer Liquori Tate were conducted Saturday among remembrances of his dedication to law enforcement and passion for life.

Tate, 25, and Patrolman Benjamin Deen, 34, were shot and killed May 9 during a traffic stop near East Fourth and Bouie streets.

Thousands Attend Funeral for 2nd Slain Hattiesburg Officer
Sun Herald/May 16, 2015

Media outlets estimate that more than 2,000 people, including law enforcement officers from across the U.S., lined the streets and attended the visitation, funeral and final procession for the young officer. Among those were the family of Officer Deen, who attended the service at West Point Baptist Church. Tate's family had attended Deen's funeral on Thursday.

Photos: Funeral for Officer Liquori Tate
Hattiesburg American

Family and friends said that Tate, known as "CoCo," was passionate about his chosen career, family and life, according to report from the Hattiesburg American, and had had a childhood dream of becoming a law enforcement officer. Fellow officers said he

Visitation for Officer Liquori Tate
Hattiesburg American

"Life is too short. So if I die today I'm happy how my life turned out. And I'm happy that I had a chance to meet the people that I met and I enjoyed every moment that I have spent with each and every one of them. That's my word." -- Liquori Tate on Facebook, as reported by Sun Herald.

Tate was shy just under a month from celebrating a year as a police officer with the Hattiesburg Police Department. He was sworn in June 11, 2014. He had worked for ABC Security prior to that.

20-year-old Naval Academy Student Among Victims of Amtrak Derailment

2015-05-15T12:01:00.003-07:00

PHILADELPHIA -- Justin Zemser, a 20-year-old midshipman at the U.S.

Naval Academy in Maryland, will be the first of victim of this week's Amtrak derailment to be buried when funeral services are held today at the Boulevard-Riverside-Hewlett Chapel on Long Island.

The sophomore student lives in New York City and was on his way home from Annapolis, Maryland, when the train derailed Tuesday night. He wanted to be a Navy Seal, and was an only child, according to a report from CNN.

Zemser was among eight people killed and more than 200 injured among the 243 people aboard train 188 in the Philadelphia, Penn., wreck.

ABCNEWS reported profiles of Zemser and the other victims who include Laura Finamore, Derrick Griffith, Jim Gaines, Bob Gildersleeve, Abid Gilani, Rachel Jacobs, and Giuseppe Piras.

PROFILE:
Photo from Google.com

Justin Zemser, a popular student leader and athlete, was on a break from the U.S. Naval Academy and heading home to Rockaway Beach, New York, where playing high school football helped him and his teammates through the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus called Zemser a "crucial member" of the institution.

The 20-year-old's family released a statement mourning "a loving son, nephew and cousin who was very community-minded." They said the tragedy "has shocked us all in the worst way."

Zemser was in his second year. He served as vice president of the Jewish Midshipmen Club and played wide receiver on the academy's sprint football team. Friends at the Naval Academy remembered him for his endearing leadership qualities.

Midshipman James Lieto recalled how his sprint football teammate helped lead first-year students through the academy's Sea Trials hours before the crash. The trials, which began at 3 a.m. on Tuesday, encompass a rigorous 14-hour day of physical challenges.

Zemser, who was known as "Z," wore a floppy sun hat in the early morning darkness to lighten the mood.

"He was always there to pick other people up," Lieto said Thursday.

At Channel View School for Research in New York, Zemser was valedictorian, student government president and captain of the football team.

Outside of school, Zemser interned for New York City Councilman Eric Ulrich and former Councilman James Sanders. Ulrich called him "truly a bright, talented and patriotic young man."

Zemser also volunteered with a church program, a soup kitchen and a nursing home and mentored children with autism, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said. Schumer and U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks nominated Zemser to the Naval Academy, and Meeks was struck by his "high character, intellectual curiosity and maturity beyond his years."

Patrolman Benjamin Deen Laid to Rest

2015-05-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Patrolman Benjamin J. Deen was laid to rest today during a funeral service
and final procession that included hundreds of law enforcement members from across the United States.

Deen was one of two Hattiesburg police officers gunned down May 9 during a traffic stop. Officer Liquori Tate, 25, whose family attended the service for Deen,will be laid to rest on Saturday.

Officers from as far as New York City attended the service that remembered Deen, 34, as a dedicated officer, family man, and friend with a great sense of humor.

Hundreds of residents not attending service at Temple Baptist Church lined the streets for the procession to the church and to Deen's final resting place at Military Baptist in Sumrall.

Colleagues From Around US Attend Funeral for Slain Hattiesburg Officer
Sun Herald/May 14, 2015

Photographs of funeral ceremonies
Sun Herald/May 14, 2015

Officer Deen Remembered for Service, Humor, Devotion to Family
WLOX-TV/photos/May 14, 2015

Candlelight Vigil Honors Mississippi Fallen Officers

2015-05-12T11:59:00.002-07:00

JACKSON, Miss. -- Attorney General Jim Hood and the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police join together to host the state’s fifth annual “Mississippi Fallen Law Enforcement Officer’s Candlelight Vigil.”

The event will be held today, May 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Fallen Officers Memorial between the Sillers and Gartin Justice buildings off High Street in downtown Jackson.

“We began this ceremony five years ago following the creation of the memorial wall,” said Attorney General Hood. “If you haven’t had a chance to visit the memorial, this is a great opportunity to do so and to honor our state’s fallen officers.

"Since we last held this ceremony, Mississippi has lost seven heroes in the line of duty, two in 2014 and five in 2015. There are another 227 names on the memorial,” he said.

Mississippi’s most recently fallen officers are:

John Thomas Collum May 9, 2014 Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

John Robert Street December 16, 2014 George Co. S.O.

John Ballard Gorman January 21, 2015 Mississippi Gaming Commission

Johnny Gatson March 10, 2015 Warren Co. S.O.

Josie Wells March 10, 2015 United States Marshals Service

Liquori Tate May 9, 2015 Hattiesburg Police Department

Benjamin Deen March 9, 2015 Hattiesburg Police Department

“This vigil is a chance to come together and remember our fallen comrades and to pray for the safety of all our state’s law enforcement officers as they serve and protect,” said Ken Winter, executive director of the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police.

Members of the public, along with family and friends of any Mississippi law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty, are invited to join officers from the Mississippi Chiefs of Police Association, the Mississippi Sheriffs Association, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office at the event.

Community Mourns 2 Officers, Funerals Planned in Hattiesburg

2015-05-12T11:59:00.001-07:00

Officers Liquori Tate, 25, and Benjamin Deen,34, were killed in the line of duty Saturday, May 9, 2015, while performing a routine traffic stop in Hattiesburg, Miss. A candlelight vigil for the men was held May 11.

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI -- Officers from South Mississippi attended the vigil held Monday to honor and remember two Hattiesburg officers killed May 9 during a traffic stop.

Liquori Tate, 25, and Benjamin Deen, 34, were shot during a routine traffic stop on Fourth Street, and died shortly after arriving at Forrest County General Hospital for treatment to save their lives. Coroner Butch Benedict told media outlets that one officer was shot in the face and the other was shot in the back.

Four people were arrested Sunday in the deaths of the Hattiesburg officers. Marvin Banks, 26, and Joanie Calloway, 22, have been charged with capital murder. Curtis Banks, 29, has been charged with accessory after the fact for capital murder. Cornelius Clark has been charged with obstruction of justice. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is handling the case.

2 Hattiesburg officers killed; 4 suspects in custody
The Clarion-Ledger/May 11, 2015

Tate graduated from the Mississippi Police Academy in June 2014. He was a graduate of South Pike High and Southwest Mississippi Community College before joining the Hattiesburg Police Department.

"I graduated the Police Academy today. I am now a Police Officer. I would like to thank God, the Police Academy, the Police Department, my family, friends, and love ones." -- Liquori Tate/Facebook/June 11

Deen was a K-9 officer with the HPD, and had been named Officer of the Year in 2012.

Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree and Gov. Phil Bryant spoke during the vigil held Monday night to honor and remember the two officers.

Services for Deen have been set. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at West Temple Baptist Church campus Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. at the church campus with a ceremony following at the Military Baptist Church Cemetery in Sumrall.

Funeral arrangements released for both fallen officers
WLOX TV-13/May 12, 2015

Funeral arrangements for Tate include visitation from 5-8 p.m. Friday followed by the service at West Point Baptist Church on Hartfield Road in Hattiesburg.

South Mississippi includes the six counties of Jackson, Harrison, Hancock, Pearl River, Stone and George, and is the location of the metropolitan area of Gulfport and Biloxi.

Graduate Inspires Veterans, Students at 15th Annual Breakfast

2014-11-11T13:24:00.001-08:00

Tullibee Base submariners and auxiliary members Camilla Edmonds, Jane Hayes, Glen Keller, Steve Walmsley, Herb Edmonds, Charles Gillies, and Glen Bremenkamp were among hundreds of veterans and their family, friends and coastal residents who attended the Gautier High School 15th Annual Veterans Breakfast on Monday. Wounded veteran Anthony McDaniel, a 2006 GHS graduate, was among highlights of the program. (Photo provided by Jane Hayes)

Marine Corps Turns 239 Years Old Today

2014-11-10T16:02:00.004-08:00

By KELSEY DRISCOLL

AOL

On November 10, 1775, Philadelphia native Captain Samuel Nicholas formed the the first two battalions of the Continental Marines of the American Revolutionary War after realizing the need for a group able to battle both on water and on land. That institution has transformed and evolved into the few, the proud: the modern day United States Marine Corps.

Today marks 239 years since the creation of the Marine Corps, and it has grown from Captain Nicholas' initial two battalions to roughly 194,000 active members and 40,000 reserve Marines, though it remains the smallest branch of the United States Armed Forces within the Department of Defense.

The official title of United States Marine Corps was incorporated in 1798. The Continental Marines, as well as the Continental Navy, were temporarily disbanded at the completion of the American Revolution. The Marines in particular were reinstated in preparation for the Quasi-War, which was fought against Spain and the French Republic, and mostly at sea.

Since its creation, the Marine Corps has earned recognition by serving in the majority of American wars. Their well-known motto, "Semper Fidelis," often shortened to "Semper Fi," appropriately translates to "Always Loyal." Marines are capable of fighting via land, air and sea, and every member of the Marines receives additional training as a rifleman. The Marine Corps works closely with the United States Navy, as these two services make up the United States Department of the Navy.

Click through the slideshow above to see a brief history of the Marine Corps in photos, and as we commemorate this anniversary and approach Veterans Day, make sure to thank an active soldier or veteran in your life.

http://www.aol.com/article/2014/11/10/commemorating-the-239th-anniversary-of-the-marine-corps/20991552/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D561164

Vietnam Veterans Receive Medal of Honor

2014-09-16T12:56:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON -- Bennie Adkins and Donald Sloat, who served in the Vietnam War, were awarded the highest military honor on Monday during a ceremony at the White House.

The Medal of Honor was presented to Adkins as the 54th living recipient who fought in Vietnam. William Sloat, accepted the award for his brother, allowing Sloat to join 204 deceased Medal of Honor recipients who served in the war that ran from November 1955 to April 1975.

Adkins, a a command sergeant major, was badly wounded while rescuing fellow comrades during an enemy attack. He had joined the U.S. Army at age 22 during 1956.

A native of Opelika, Ala., he served in the infantry and special forces, and was deployed to Vietnam three times.

Sloat died Jan. 17, 1970, when he fell on an enemy grenade to shield fellow soldiers from further destruction. Sloat joined the Army in 1969 and was a machine gunner after completing training.

For details of their heroics, visit sunherald.com

South Mississippi, Nation Remember 9/11 Attacks, Victims and Heroes

2014-09-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI – Across the country, tributes today marked the 13^th year since nearly 3,000 people lost their lives during the terrorists attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001.

Following a speech Wednesday night promising to send some 400 more troops to help fight ISIS terrorists threatening the U.S., and who recently beheaded two American journalists, President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden observed a moment of silence outside the White House before heading to 9/11 tribute at the Pentagon and in New York.

White House Pauses for Moment of Silence (video)

In South Mississippi, events included a variety of memorials and tributes such as 9/11 Remembrance blood drives in Old Town Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis and at L.H. “Red” Barnett Senior Center in D’Iberville. Both drives were sponsored by the Red Cross, and information can be accessed today at redcrossblood.org using code OTPC for Bay St. Louis and 911DIBERVILLE. CDC and

A Climb CDC and Americorps 9/11 Service Day was held at Quarles Elementary School in Long Beach. As well, St. Martin High School’s 9/11 Memorial Tribute featured choir and theater students who performed a combination of original material, published poetry recitation, choral performance and reading of victim’s names.

Parade and Program Honor Veterans, Active Military

2013-11-11T17:07:00.004-08:00

MOSS POINT -- Samuel W. Sylvester Jr., 87, is loving all the attention he's gotten lately from the community honoring WWII veterans for their service and all branches of the military during a number of programs and commemorations in October and November.

He was among the veterans who made the fourth Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight during fall 2012. He also was honored as the oldest African American Marine present during this year's 35th Annual Salute to the Military held in Biloxi.

"I was the only black man they recognized there," said Sylvester, who will turn 88 in January.

Following the Jackson County Veterans Day Parade and Program today in Downtown Moss Point, the Marine recounted the horrors of war while stationed in Japan during WWII. He was aboard a LSD ship when the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and then Nagasaki, killing thousands of Japanese and effectively ending the war that was dragging on against the nation of the Rising Sun.

A 'Thank You' For Service:
Nearly 1,000 Turn Out For Long Beach Veterans Parade
Sun Herald/Sunday, November 10, 2013

Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects killed 90,000–166,000 people in Hiroshima and 60,000–80,000 in Nagasaki, with roughly half of the deaths in each city occurring on the first day, according to Wikipedia

The U.S. lost some 100,000 military personnel during the Pacific War of WWII.

Having served from 1944-46, Sylvester served in other areas of the Pacific before being transferred to Japan, where he was among soldiers who went in to remove the bodies of Japanese civilians killed when the atomic bombs called Little Boy and Fat Man were dropped on the cities.

"I saw a mushroom cloud," he said.

When the Marines went in to clean up the devastation and remove the bodies they used trucks to clear the way. "All the dead people, they pushed them to the side," said Sylvester "Worst smell in the world."

However, today, he and David Blacklege said they enjoyed the Veterans Day program at the Jackson County Veterans Memorial Monument located at the city's Riverfront Park. The hourlong program followed the annual parade on Main Street, which was lined with residents eagerly gathering candy.

"It was great. It was a good program," said Blackledge, who recently retired after 37 years in the Army, including three tours in Iraq and service in Bosnia, Haiti, and other areas around the globe.

(Watch for addition of photos and more information to this story)

Monday's Jackson County Veteran's Day Parade and Program

2013-11-08T12:43:00.002-08:00

MOSS POINT -- The 13^th Annual Jackson County Veterans Day Parade and Program will take place Nov. 11 in Downtown Moss Point. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. and leaves from the Southgate Shopping Center. The program starts at 11 a.m. at the Moss Point Veterans Memorial Monument.

The keynote speaker is Jackson County Supervisor Melton Harris, who was born in Grenada County, Miss. He is a graduate of Tougaloo College with a bachelor of science degree in math and physics. He served in the United States Army as a military policeman during the Vietnam Era and received an honorable discharge. He retired from Chevron Pascagoula Refinery in 1999.

Harris is currently serving as president of the Pascagoula Rotary Club. He is past president of the Jackson County Board of Supervisors and pastpPresident of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors – Minority Caucus. He is chairman of the Fourth Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee.

His awards include Pascagoula Jaycee’s Outstanding Young Man, Jaycee of the Year, Outstanding Community Service by Phi Beta Sigma, Phi Beta Sigma Community Service Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. MLK Dreamer Award, NAACP Community Service and Achievement Award, A . Phillip Randolph Community Service Award, Young Democrats of America Service Award, Rust College Community Service Award, Sickle Cell Service Award, Pascagoula B&P Women’s Community Service Award, Sigma Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Citizen of the Year Award.

Harris is married and has three adult children. The Harris family is a member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Moss Point.

The Veterans Steering Committee, planning the event, is encouraging residents of Jackson County to line the parade route, wave American flags and show their support for the veterans of all wars and the active duty personnel serving along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A special emphasis for the POWs and MIAs will be conducted during the program, as well as a Twenty-One Gun Salute by the veterans’ organizations.

There will be a recognition ceremony for fallen soldiers – Sergeant First Class Sean Michael Cooley of Ocean Springs, Sergeant Terrance D. Lee, Sr. of Moss Point, Master Sergeant Coater B. DeBose of Moss Point, Major Michael Green of Gautier, and Master Sergeant Scott E. Pruitt.

Cooley and Lee were killed in Iraq and Green, DeBose and Pruitt in Afghanistan. Members of their families will be invited and recognized at the program.

Members of the Magnolia Cruisers will participate with honor vehicles. The grand marshal is Brigadier General David Blackledge of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Parade marshals are Moss Point Mayor Billy Broomfield, Captain Robert A. Hall, Jr., PCO AMERICA (LHA 6), veterans and officials Cecil Stork, Herman Barnum, Dobbs Dennis, Pascagoula Councilman Freddy Jackson, and Mississippi House of Representative Manly Barton.

For more information about the Jackson County Veterans Parade and Program, call the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 228-762-3391. Late entries will be accepted at the parade lineup.

Final Honor Flight Returns Tonight at Gulfport/Biloxi International Airport

2013-11-05T15:24:00.004-08:00

GULFPORT -- Our final honor flight will be returning at 7:40 tonight at the Gulfport airport, said Jennifer Walton, secretary for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight.

Don't miss this final homecoming for our veterans!

The public is asked to arrive between 7 and 7:30 p.m. Parking will be free.

Bring your welcome home signs and flags!!

Ex-guardian Will Be Present When WWII Vets Return from D.C.

2013-10-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

DGULFPORT

Phillip Saul, an ex-guardian, of Vinegar, Ala., arrived just a little too late this morning to watch the take-off of 92 World War II veterans who made the sixth Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., today. The group left earlier than usual. Still, he plans to make sure he's in just the right spot to watch the veterans receive a welcome home salute when they return tonight about 7:30 to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Between 3,000 and 5,000 coastal residents usually are on hand when the veterans and their guardians return to South Mississippi. An encore flight will be made Nov. 5 before the Honor Flight program concludes.

Busload of Moss Point students to Welcome Home Veterans, Junior Guardian Billy Stokes

2013-09-30T12:29:00.002-07:00

Moss Point School Board President Clifton Magee (speaking) and Superintendent Maggie Griffin (second from right) recognize student Billy Stokes (third from right) as family members look on during a school board meeting at Magnolia Middle School. (Vivian Austin/Correspondent). Stokes was named among Junior Guardians for the final trip being made Oct. 1 by Mississipppi Gulf Coast Honor Flight to honor WWII veterans in Washington, D.C. Maury Thompson II will make the encore trip on Nov. 5.

Master Sgt. Coater Debose Laid to Rest in Biloxi National Cemetery

2013-09-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

BILOXI -- Tuesday the day after Labor Day was saw the ... of Master Sgt. Coater Debose, who was killed Aug.

Jackson County's Master Sgt. Debose Remembered as "Super Soldier"

The Sun Herald / September 04, 2012

Moss Point, Gautier Residents Remember 9/11 Attacks, Lives Lost, Lessons Learned

2013-09-11T20:46:00.002-07:00

By Vivian Austin
on September 11, 2013

MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- It was a day of memories and thanks for sacrifice as remembrances of the 9/11 terrorist attacks were held in Moss Point and Gautier.

In Gautier, the citizens gathered this morning around the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Tower and the bell was tolled for the victims who died in the four plan crashes on Sept. 11, 2001.

In Moss Point, a Memorial Service held at Pelican Landing Conference Center included a color guard by Moss Point High ROTC, and a rousing rendition of the national anthem from Tenishia Davis.

Midway during speeches at the service, firefighter Kerry Matthews toned a bell to mark the time when the first airplane hit the twin towers, beginning the terrorist attack that included New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and Flight 93 over Pennsylvania.

The MPH Jazz Band provided "Amazing Grace" near the end of the program that drew applause from the crowd.

"We Will Never Forget Their Sacrifice" was the theme of the 30-minute program attended by more than 80 residents, police and firefighters, clergy, students, and school, county and city personnel and officials. An emergency exercise program took place after the ceremony.

Pastor David Newton of Dantzler Memorial United Methodist Church provided the opening invocation that repeated "Oh, Lord, 12 years have passed; yesterday, today and forever, let your love endure ... let your peace endure."

He said, "We remember how our lives are forever scarred by the stories" of the people who survived the attacks"

Fire Chief Clarence Parks, whose department served as host for the memorial, thanked everyone for attending the memorial to honor the lives of firefighters lost on 9/11, and thanked emergency personnel and service members for their service. He called 9/11 "one of the most dreadful days in American history."

Parks said, "Never forget those who sacrificed and will continue to sacrifice their lives for the love of this great country."

Mayor Billy Broomfield, as well as others, recounted his day from 9/11, where he was and the thoughts going through his head about how could that be possible in this country, in New York City, at the Pentagon and on Flight 93.

"The first responders didn't hesitate to get to the scene of all those areas," he said. "They put themselves in harm's way in order to make sure we knew where all those people were.... That's why they're first responders."

He thanked all local emergency personnel for their service, before the bell service. Later, he said he wants more people to attend the 9/11 services, that residents should never forget their sacrifice.

"I do whatever is necessary to make sure people know that freedom isn't free. There is a price to be paid.... "

Fire Chief Donny Lowery with the Escatawpa Volunteer Fire Department went through the numbers of NYC personnel and trucks lost to show the magnitude of the devastation of 9/11, especially in comparison to that day and what would be lost for his department. He and Chief Parks both believe in 'greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend ... and for people you don't know," as the reason for their careers.

"It's not because of the money. It's because it's something we love to do," said Lowery.

He said 9/11 brought firefighters across the country together, and it changed his life and the way security is handled in this country. "Everybody was put on alert. We had to look out for things we never had to look out for before, and some of those things still exist today."

Pastor Michael Perry of First Baptist Church SBC of Moss Point offered a Prayer of Unity based on the Book of Nehemiah: "Lord, if people have a mind and a will to work and work together you will bless them."

He asked for strength that the country rebuild. 'I pray that we have a mind to rebuild not only the physical structures but the heart of a people living and working together. We hope we will be a people who seek you for your will and direction."

Officer Bruce Lynd with the Pascagoula Police Department said, "What I remember about 9/11 is that people put their differences aside and said what can we do. We truly became the United States of America. ... We must never forget that fateful day."

Frank Duke with Acadian Ambulance Service talked about 9/11 firefighters as heroes and other emergency personnel. "Today I ask you to look around. We are all in the presence of heroes."

Elder Kelvin Bolton of the International House of Prayer received an ovation after his closing remarks and prayer. He had told the audience that as bad as 9/11 was, God said he had had mercy that day because the city of New York City had not been destroyed in the terrorist attack.

His words became moved as he talked about the mercy of God. "Every day that we get up, we have new mercies," he said.

He also talked about the dedication of police officers and other first responders, their lives and emotions; that police have to hold and comfort each other.

"You think the police don't cry? You think a man can't cry? They (in New York) were holding and comforting each other.

"Their lives were instantly changed. God gave their lives a brand new look. Not only can it happen in New York City. It can happen in Mississippi."

He told the audience to never forget the sacrifice of emergency personnel and service men and women who give their lives to protect America. "Never forget the sacrifices they make every day. Never forget we can lay down our lives for each other."

After the program, Police Chief Keith Davis remembered that day made America a country without races, physically because the ash made it impossible to tell who was who, and it unified everyone. "There were no different races. No white and black. Just God's people.

"It was the unity of everybody involved just for that moment in time. There is no difference between us. We are all one," he said.

Firefighter Roland Mims was 21 and in college in 2001. "When I first heard about it, I said we are in trouble," he said. "It was just great to see everybody come together and help each other."

He also appreciates the annual commemoration and that people honor first responders

2013-09-11T20:28:00.002-07:00

Final Honor Flight Orientation Set August 24 at Joppa Temple

2013-08-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

Billy Stokes

Brandilyn Bates

Pascagoula High School - Senior

Pascagoula

WOOLMARKET -- Orientation for the final trip of Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Joppa Shrine Temple.

The sixth and final flight will be Oct. 1, leaving from Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

"We need volunteers to help serve and assist for the day. Please arrive at 7 a.m. for setup and we will begin at 8 a.m.," said Jennifer Presley Walton, secretary,
of orientation.

Walton may be contacted at 251-709-7378.

Junior Guardians this year include Billy Stokes at Moss Point High, Sarah Jenne at East Central High and Brandilyn Bates at Pascagoula High.

Matthews Edwards

Gulfport High School - Junior

Gulfport

Senior Class President, Student Council, Beta Club, Spanish Club, Tennis team, Lockhearts Civic Club and Providence Hospital Volunteer. Granddaughter of a WWII veteran and Great-Granddaughter of two WWII veterans.

MGCHF-V

MGCHF-IV

MGCHF-VI

FLASHBACK: What's been going on this year?

2013-08-19T14:23:00.002-07:00

A

2013-07-08T17:13:00.002-07:00

restart .... 2013

Memorial Day observations include Sounds by Sea and services at Biloxi National Cemetery

2013-05-30T19:30:00.002-07:00

Residents enjoy Sounds by the Sea during weekend Memorial Day observations honoring all military personnel who gave their lives during service to the United States.

Honor Flight Movie Showing in D'Iberville Theater

2013-01-24T08:43:00.003-08:00

D'IBERVILLE -- Wayne Lennep said earlier this week that 92 more seats were available to view the Honor Flight movie showing today. By 10:30 this morning that number had shunk to 51.

The show will be viewed from 7:30 p.m. to 9:37 at the Grand 18 Theatre in D'Iberville, according to Lennep, spokesman for Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight.

Cost for the movie is $10.

Visit http://www.tugg.com/events/2604 for more information.

Panetta Opens Trenches for Women to Serve on Front Lines

2013-01-23T16:05:00.000-08:00

Women In Combat: Leon Panetta Removes Military Ban, Opening Front-Line Positions

Read online stories about new move by Pentagon chief Leon Panetta.