More News

Prayers, speeches and words of gratitude echoed in downtown Mount Airy on Saturday as nearly 100 people gathered to mark Patriot Day.

The ceremony was held in memory of two Mount Airy men who lost their lives at the Pentagon nine years ago in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. U.S. Navy Commander Ronald J. Vauk, 37, and U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer William Ruth, 57, were both on assignment in the Pentagon that day.

Ruth had served in Vietnam and the First Gulf War; Vauk had just begun his assignment at the Pentagon the day before, according to a press release from event organizer Bob Rossi, of Boyds.

"We feel like this [ceremony] is the best thing we really can do to honor these men," said Rossi.

A monument, located on Main Street next to the old train depot in Mount Airy, was dedicated to the men in 2002.

Saturday's ceremony marked the nine-year anniversary of the attacks. The event was opened by the master of ceremonies who ordered the Sergeant of the Guard to post the colors, and then went into an opening prayer by Chaplain Paul Gunther.

"Today is a difficult day," said Gunther, of Germantown, in his opening remarks. "Some wounds may never be healed."

The ceremony was hosted by the Town of Mount Airy and the Marine Corps League at the American Legion Gold Star Post 191. The Mount Airy Lions Club supported the event by donating funds to purchase hand-held American flags for participants.

The event also honored community service endeavors of youth by recognizing and awarding 134 Boy and Girl Scouts, a "Promising Young American" certificate authorized by the U.S. Congress. Each scout was provided an American flag.

According to the press release, Patriot Day is an expression of American sentiment that the deaths caused at Shanksville, Pa., the Pentagon, and the World Trade Center are best commemorated by honoring the volunteer community service of our youth, who are our future.

"The future of our great nation is in the hands of all of you gathered here today," said Mount Airy Mayor Pat Rockinberg in his remarks. "You have an awesome responsibility and tradition to uphold a great legacy of freedom, liberty, and sacrificial love. But looking at you today, I'm confident we are in good hands."

For Adam Wells, 9, of Frederick, participation in the event was important.

"Everyone's here to honor and to [show] a debt of gratitude to two people who died in the Pentagon," said Adam, a member Cub Scout Pack 460.

"I can think of no better way to pay tribute to these great men, their legacy, their ultimate sacrifice, and that of other military veterans who have given their all throughout our history than to honor them with this Patriots Day Ceremony," Rockinberg said.

rmerriman@gazette.net