EDITOR’S NOTE: A retired Army Colonel, George Lewis, who is serving as chairman of the Edenton-Chowan Board of Education, gave this speech recently on 9/11 to the Boys and Girls Club of the Albemarle in the old DF Walker Gymnasium. His inspiring speech centers on unity by building bridges to others so as to better serve our community.
BY GEORGE LEWIS
Greeting
Distinguished guests, beloved youth of the Boys & Girls Club, members of the Edenton and Chowan County community—It is both a privilege and a humbling responsibility to stand before you today for this Patriot Day observance. I am honored to join you in remembering America’s heroes and in ensuring that we—each of us—you and I—never forget the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our country and challenged our shared values.
My deepest gratitude goes out to Mr. Garry Outlaw for his invitation, Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell for her unwavering leadership, and every volunteer, mentor, parent or guardian, and community leader who invests in the character and future of Chowan’s youth. The Boys & Girls Club of the Albemarle stands as a keystone of our community’s commitment to raising the next generation—a generation rooted in character, citizenship, love, service, and patriotism.
The Solemn Significance of September 11th
We must never forget that on September 11th, 2001, twenty-four years ago today, nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children lost their lives in an act of unspeakable violence and hatred.
It did not matter their race, faith, or background—people from every walk of life were attacked simply for being a part of the American dream, for believing in freedom and unity. Those who died that morning would have equaled our total student population (K-12) attending Edenton-Chowan Schools — and since then, those that died from complications, are greater than the total population of Chowan County.
It was the largest mass murder in our nation’s history—a chilling act of ideological and political violence meant to sow fear and division. But remembering September 11th is not only a story of tragedy—it is a story of love, of sacrifice, and, above all, a call to action.
A Personal Story: The Life and Service of Firefighter and Army Captain Mark P. Whitford
I speak to you now not just as a witness to history, but as someone personally touched by the events of that day. I lost a dear friend—Mark P. Whitford—a firefighter, a Soldier, a son, a brother, and my buddy from our officer basic course in 1994. Mark grew up in Staten Island, working alongside his father in the salvage business. Yes, Mark was a junk man. Do you know any garbage men or women in your community? In high school and college Mark was a champion athlete and wrestler, a proud graduate of Seton Hall University, and a military intelligence officer. Do you know any athletes, or members of the military?
I once played a joke on Mark, who was dating my sister at the time. We went to a Japanese restaurant, somewhere Mark had never been before. I convinced him that a mound of green stuff on his plate was a mint that he should pop in his mouth after his soup and salad to freshen his breath before eating the rest of his meal. Mark didn’t know that green stuff was wasabi, a very strong and spicy horseradish that should only be eaten in very small amounts.
Mark swallowed the whole thing … he then produced a bugger running from his nose all the way to his feet for about fifteen-minutes. We all laughed and talked about that joke for years. Do you have a friend or buddy you like to joke around and have fun with?
Yet, Mark’s greatest dream was to serve as a New York City firefighter. Do you know anyone who is a firefighter, a police officer or a first responder? Mark though gave up a budding investment banking career because, at heart, he was called to serve.
Just hours before the attacks, Mark learned he was accepted into his firehouse’s elite rescue team.
Before the towers fell that morning, Mark ran into danger—not away from it. He saw friends and strangers in need and answered the call of duty and faith. I believe he heard the voice, God’s voice, echoed through the ages, from Isaiah 6:8—”Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” Mark answered that call, leaving safety behind and rushing into the chaos to save others. He sacrificed everything, embodying the deepest kind of heroism—a hero not for recognition, but out of love, faith, and duty. Mark died in the collapse of the South Tower of the World Trade Center at precisely 9:59 AM … twenty-four years ago this morning.
Mark died a hero doing what he loved. Mark was my buddy. Mark was just 31 years old when he was killed, the same age as Charlie Kirk who was killed yesterday. My life changed too on that day … I would spend the last sixteen years of my Army service hunting down those who attacked the towers and killed so many.
That hunt began the very next morning, culminating in the killing of Usama Bin Laden in in May of 2011, but that continues today throughout the world, wherever evil exists.
Why This Story Matters to You
Mark didn’t know you, and you didn’t know Mark. But make no mistake—Mark died for you, for everyone who believes in community, courage, and compassion. Do you know anyone else who died for you? … I do. You may wonder what that means for you, especially if you feel, “I am only a kid.”
Here’s why it matters: Our nation, your country, pledged to never forget. And while many have allowed the memory to fade, the torch is now passed to you. Some though have forgotten, or worse so, have intentionally twisted the story and are trying to deceive … or trick you.
The Threat of Division and the Call for Unity
We live in a time when the same hateful ideology that produced 9/11 continues to grow—sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly—in our own communities. It is an ideology that thrives on division, telling us we are victims, fueling blame with every difference in race, language, belief, or political party. It teaches “them,” not “us” or “you” not “me”. This sickness—this cancer—no longer just exists overseas; it can live in our own homes, schools, churches, and even within ourselves.
The challenge for every young person and every community member is to reject this division and the false prophets who spread it, whether through words, acts, or indifference. If you hear words of hate, see bullying, or witness division—stand up, speak out, and offer help. Risk something for your neighbor, for someone who looks or believes differently than you. Do so not with anger, but with love.
Remembering, Serving, and Acting
Patriot Day is not only a day of remembrance—it is a day of service. The greatest legacy you can carry forward is not only to honor those who died but to live lives of service every day. True service is selfless. It asks, “Who will go? Who will act?” and answers confidently, “Here am I. Send me!”
Serve in your schools by attending every day, by being ready for school, by working hard and showing respect. Serve in your homes and churches by loving and caring for one another. Serve in your community by helping others—no matter how small the act. Step forward when someone needs help.
Reject ideologies and those that divide and shift blame, that villainize or dehumanize others. Reject and expose the smarmy jar-shakers amongst us who seek to pit one against the other to advance their own beliefs or to secure power by dividing to conquer. That out of ignorance or purpose shift blame from them, their culture, their circumstances, their choice … or even their party … and tell you that someone needs to look like you, talk like you, make the same amount of money as your parents do, or any other reason that separates you.
Instead, build bridges in every interaction out of love, unity and a sense of one singular community.
Final Challenge: Be the Heroes Our Time Demands
When you leave here today, remember that every act of kindness, every courageous moment, and every step toward unity makes a difference. Hug a nurse, thank a firefighter, salute a member of the military, shake hands with someone who does not look like you, or help someone in need. Join our schools Kids & Cops program, Scouting America, the Fannie A. Parker Club or the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in your school.
Here’s something simple yet meaningful that I challenge every one of you with, young or old: If you see an entangled American flag—make it your duty to fix it. If your home or church doesn’t have a flag, work to raise one. If you don’t have a red, white and blue American flag, work to raise money to buy one, or ask me … I’ll give you one and help you install it. Pledge to never look away when others need you. Respond to the call, just as Mark did.
Isaiah 6:8 asks, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Let your answer be, “Here I am. Send me!” Be the change agent, the person who refuses to accept division and instead brings light into the darkest places.
When your moment comes—and it will—be present, be brave, and be the one who steps in, just as Mark did. Your impact can change lives, shape culture, and transform our community for generations. Be the person of character your family, your school, your community … and that your buddy, a buddy like Mark, needs you to be.
Closing Blessing
May God bless each of you, may you rise-up in service and courage, and may God continue to bless this Boys and Girls Club, Edenton, Chowan County, and the United States of America.
Thank you.