Newport Naval War College Remembers Their Sept. 11 Heroes

NEWPORT, RI -- Friday’s Sept. 11 remembrance at the Naval War College lasted only 18 minutes but still delivered a statement about eternity, mortality and the fragility of democracy.

The ceremony has stayed fundamentally the same over the years since the attacks, according to Thomas Gibbons, assistant dean. Prof. John Jackson delivered the introduction, and later one of the family members —the brother of Capt. Gerald F. DeConto—came forward for the ceremonial wreath laying in front of Patriots Memorial.

Rear Admiral Jeff Harley, the college president, was the speaker. Admiral Harley asked everyone to cherish the memories of those who died on Sept. 11.

“We can cherish their memories and reflect on the ideals they upheld,” he told the gathering. “We can cherish their memories and slowly heal the pain of the loss so suddenly inflicted. We can cherish the memories and aspire to have the spiritual, emotional, and physical readiness of those that have gone before, albeit prematurely.”

He also asked people to respect their sacrifice and make a commitment to the fight against tyranny and terrorism.

"Steel your hearts to hardships" to come, he said.

The names of each of the 11 graduates or students —sailors, soldiers and civilians—who died during the attacks 15 years ago were read followed by a short tribute about their lives. Then the chief petty officer selectees rang a bell in remembrance for each one. Finally, the bugler played Taps.

This ceremony on the fifteenth anniversary struck many in attendance as especially poignant.

To put the 15th anniversary in perspective, Prof. Jackson said, one of the midshipmen participating in the ceremony was only two-years-old on Sept. 11, 2001.

And as they have done for every remembrance, family members attended.

Jackson reminded everyone the college community initially knew only of one victim after the attacks: Angela Marie Houtz, a Fleet Seminar Program student who died when the Pentagon was attacked.

"In the days and weeks that followed, we learned of others," he said. Ultimately, it was decided to dedicate the Patriots Memorial in their memory, he said, directing everyone's attention to the limestone rock in the center of a sun-dappled law at the front of the college. The limestone came from the west facade of the Pentagon; and although it was damaged in the attack, it now stands upright symbolizing strength, he said. Seabees delivered it to Newport, where it was dedicated in 2002 and engraved with the 11 names.

The eight graduates and three students are "enshrined in the hearts of all Americans," he said.

Capt. DeContro's mother Patricia was introduced along with other member of the DeContro family.

Lead photo credit: Margo Sullivan