The Neighborhood Files

Gallery: Tribute To Our Soldiers - Community Center Commemorates Area Servicemen

Local soldiers, veterans and their families came to the Prince George's Plaza community center for a special tribute in honor of the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11 on Saturday afternoon.

By Andrew Metcalf
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September 10, 2011

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Carlos Ocasio, an Iraq War veteran, told the audience about his experience being one of the soldiers responsible for cleaning up the rubble at the Pentagon after it was struck by a plane on September 11. He said they would categorize everything found in the destruction by location in order to identify it later. He remembered one of his fellow soldiers finding a wedding band in the rubble. Later, they were able to identify the owner of it and return it to his spouse. He told the audience how important that was to the loved one, to have that wedding band to remember her husband by. He said the process of cleaning up the destruction was surreal and to this day, "It's a very live memory."

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Carlos Ocasio, an Iraq War veteran, told the audience about his experience being one of the soldiers responsible for cleaning up the rubble at the Pentagon after it was struck by a plane on September 11. He said they would categorize everything found in the destruction by location in order to identify it later. He remembered one of his fellow soldiers finding a wedding band in the rubble. Later, they were able to identify the owner of it and return it to his spouse. He told the audience how important that was to the loved one, to have that wedding band to remember her husband by. He said the process of cleaning up the destruction was surreal and to this day, "It's a very live memory."

Credit Andrew Metcalf

Sgt. Troy Richardson, a former marine, spoke about his experience transforming from a young boy to a soldier. He told the audience that he joined the Marine Corps when he was 16 and went to Paris Island for training. "I never experienced anything like that in my life," said Richardson, "It was a shock to my system." Richardson said he guarded Navy bases, traveled around the world and served in the Gulf War during his time in the Marines. Today, he owns his own training program company, Yobics, Inc., which creates specialized training regiments for a wide range of people. He said the Marine Corps was instrumental in shaping the man he is today.

Credit Andrew Metcalf

Nick Charles, an Air Force soldier, said he had just started working at the Pentagon on September 4, 2001, but hadn't been working on September 11, when the plane struck. He said he saw the attacks on TV and feared for his co-workers and friends. Charles said he has worked a number of jobs in the Air Force, most recently as a radar operator. "It's been a great experience being part of the service," said Charles.

Credit Andrew Metcalf

Edward Chow, secretary of Veteran's Affairs for the state of Maryland, said one of the first things taught to him by his Chinese-American parents was, "you must love your country." Chow told the audience about his experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War and thanked the other soldiers and veterans that were in attendance. He then read a speech by Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley to commemorate those who lost their lives on 9/11.

Credit Andrew Metcalf

Emily Rose, a Ft. Washington resident, wrote the names of her family members that have and are currently serving in the United States Military on a large banner as a tribute to them. Rose has been helping to promote the Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies program, which is organized by the Department of Parks and Recreation, and provides soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq with free gym memberships and social opportunities. "It's so important to help [returning soldiers] reconnect with the community," said Rose.

Credit Andrew Metcalf

"All my love goes out to anyone who was lost or affected by the tragic event on 9/11. All my prayers for the families are continuous," wrote Felicia Robertson on the tribute banner.

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About 50 soldiers, veterans and area residents gathered at the Prince George's Plaza community center in Hyattsville for a special tribute to local soldiers. The event featured speeches from local soldiers and veterans, as well as a speech from the Maryland Secretary of Veteran's Affairs. The event was organized by the Prince George's Department of Parks and Recreation. Scroll through the photo gallery above to see who spoke and what they had to say.

Related Topics: 9/11, Prince George's Plaza Community Center, Tribut to our soldiers, and Veterans

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Daku Esatayu

10:42 am on Sunday, September 11, 2011

Natalie Smart, the Prince George's Plaza Community Center Assistant Director, did an excellent job organizing this first time event. It was touching to see and hear from several military service men, women, and veterans. God Bless America!