Margaret Young, mother of Edmond Young Jr., who was killed at the Pentagon Sept. 11, 2001.

Chesapeake Beach, MD – During remarks made at a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the Attack on America, Chesapeake Beach’s outgoing mayor, Bruce Wahl, recalled where he and his wife Becky were Sept. 11, 2001. Wahl said he was working in his home office that morning when a friend called him to suggest he turn his on his television. “It’s the day that changed our lives forever,” said Wahl, who noted the town’s traditional candlelight vigil at Veterans Memorial Park had drawn people of all ages, including children too young to remember America pre-9/11.

“Things have changed dramatically,” said Wahl, who cited the once simple action of boarding an airline flight as one that appears gone forever. “It seems this is the new norm.”

Other event speakers also recalled their whereabouts and reactions of that day when terrorists high-jacked four planes and 2,977 people died while more than 6,000 were injured.

“I have never been so afraid to walk outside in the Nation’s Capital,” said Patricia McCoy of the American Legion, who was on Capitol Hill testifying before Congress on behalf of military veterans. “We need to remember.”

Left to right, Edmond G. Young Jr. and Lt. Commander Otis V. “Vince” Tolbert

Town resident and U.S. Navy Captain Randy Getman spoke fondly of a coworker—Lt. Commander Otis “Vince” Tolbert—who died when a high-jacked Boeing 757 crashed into the Pentagon. “Vince was a warrior, a quality guy,” said Getman, who noted his friend has a bench on the North Beach Boardwalk dedicated in his memory.

Margaret Young, whose son Edmund G. Young Jr. of Owings lost his life that day at the Pentagon while performing computer support work, also addressed the gathering. “We remember him in our hearts every day,” she said. “I encourage you to love a lot.”

Ray “Bomber” Nieves of the Nam Knights, a national motorcycle club for law enforcement and military veterans, recalled the “horror and heartbreak” of Sept. 11, 2001, calling the attack “a senseless, cowardly act of terrorism against innocent people.” While it still causes grief, Nieves affirmed “it did not break our spirit.”

Those gathered lit candles while patriotic music was performed by singers Dana and Jeremy. Bagpiper and retire Calvert County school teacher Ben Williams concluded the ceremony by playing “Amazing Grace” and “Going Home.”

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com