Sept. 11 marked the 11th anniversary of the observance of Patriot Day, held at the Gary Job Corps Center.
“We are privileged to share the occasion with our staff and students,” said Gary Job Corps Center Director Norman Turner. “It is with a heavy heart that we commemorate the day - our personal involvement is the loss of one of our own, PFC Kristian Menchaca who lost his life in Iraq serving in the US Army.”
The center staff shared their thoughts and memories of 9/11 during brief ceremony on Thursday morning.
“The acts of Sept. 11th should never be forgotten, and we should live in a more understanding world”, said Director Stacy Kerns. “I remembered the September 11th and the feeling of that day are still fresh in my memory and my heart is heavy.”
“24 years ago the world stopped, and we opened our hearts to the military, understanding and feeling the sacrifices that were being made by our soldiers, sailors, and airmen,” said Reggie Gilliam, US Army Retired Command Sgt, Major.
Closing the ceremony, Antoinette Haverstock, US Navy, played the Allen Jackson theme song of the event “Where Were You.”
Participants in the ceremony included: Gary Corrections and Security Cadets and Instructors, Veterans; Lori Ocegueda (US Army), Toney Johnson (USAir Force), Jarrod Haegele (US Army), Justin Hatcher (US Navy/US Air Force), Shawn Mitton (US Marine Corps), Reggie Gilliam (US Army), Antoinette Haverstock (US Navy), Ursula Goodwin (US Air Force),Steve Williams US Army, Randolph Goodman (US Navy), Deputy Center Director Chris Roff, Director Finance and Administration Stacy Kerns, and staff members.
“We know that the price of freedom comes with a cost. Gary Job Corps would like to express gratitude, especially to the first responders, military and police for their sacrifices every day. God Bless the USA,” stated a Gary Job Corps press release.
Gary Job Corps staff observed their annual Patriot Day on Sept. 11. Photo courtesy Gary Job Corps
