Community leaders mark remembrance of 9/11 at Patriot Day commemoration

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 with a Patriot Day Commemoration Ceremony held at Veterans Memorial Park just off Interstate 45 in Conroe.

Multiple community leaders attended alongside dozens of members of the public to mark the occasion. Jason Millsaps, chief of staff for County Judge Mark Keough, served as master of ceremonies. Millsap is also director for the local office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Judge Jimmie Edwards, chairman of MCVMC, welcomed the attendees and introduced the presentation of colors courtesy of the Honor Guards for the City of Conroe Fire Department and Police Department. The National Anthem was sung by Chaplain Machael Foy Day, and the Pledges to the American and Texas flags was led by Duke Coon, former Mayor Pro Tem of Conroe. Pastor Anthony Shelton, PhD, performed the invocation.

“Twenty-two years ago today there were many heroes forged; ordinary citizens, airline pilots, flight attendants, office workers, all were on the front line and we can’t forget their sacrifice,” said Coon. “That’s what this day is about and that’s what this park is about. Today we remember and honor those who gave all.”

Remarks were given by City of Conroe Councilman Harry Hardman, the Final Call Message was conducted by City of Conroe Fire Chief Ken Kreger, and the benediction was performed by Judge Wayne Mack, Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace. To conclude the ceremony, City of Conroe Fire Department Honor Guard member Brandon Keilers played the bagpipes and Stephen Kloesel played taps on trumpet.

“It is so important that we never forget what happened 22 years ago,” said Judge Mack in an exclusive interview with Woodlands Online. “Thousands of lives were taken by evil and the whole world was put on notice that freedom is not free. A great predictor of the future is the past and remembering the past. We’re so thankful that the commission does this so that we can as a nation never forget the sacrifices of so many.”

MCVMC board directors Rob Eissler and Mike Rentfrow were also present to mark the occasion, and talked with Woodlands Online about their thoughts.

“September 11 was the first official acknowledgement of the war on terror, of terror, and by terror, because that was the first overt attack on the United States since Pearl Harbor. I think today marks that day because unfortunately that war is still not over. We honor those who rant to trouble rather than away from it,” said Eissler.

“We’re remembering the nearly 3,000 men and women who died in the terrorist attack that so many watched live on television. For so many of our generation, that was a first,” said Rentfrow. “The commission is an important part of the community that remembers the First Responders and veterans for all of the commemorative holidays throughout the year, whether it be Veterans Day or Memorial Day or other holidays.”

After the ceremony, all were invited and encouraged to tour the park and note its multiple monuments.

The MCVMC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the experiences and sacrifices of United States veterans, active-duty military, and First Responders from across the nation. The park is always open to the public for reflection and remembrance. Learn more about the commission at www.honoredmission.org.

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