Emotional Pentagon Ceremony Attracts More   Than 13,000

By Irene Lagan
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 9/19/02)

ARLINGTON — Last week’s anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 was ushered in and closed with prayers, devotions, ceremonies, flags, displays of patriotism, speeches, intereligious ceremonies – literally hundreds of events in the metro area alone.

Although the much-anticipated anniversary of Sept. 11 has passed, its effects are lingering. The ramifications of the terrorist attacks continue to reverberate as our country is engaged in a war against terrorism. Sept. 11 – a day that began with no particular significance only one short year ago – now represents a day of indescribable loss for people all over the world. For many Americans, life has returned to what they would describe as more or less "normal." But, normal has, in fact, changed for all Americans to greater or lesser degrees.

At the Pentagon, a special service was held at the Phoenix site, the reconstructed side of the Pentagon where United Airlines Flight #77 crashed, claiming 189 lives. Among the more than 13,000 people who commemorated Sept. 11 at the Pentagon were civilian employees, military personnel, members of Congress, diplomats, construction workers, a mass of media, and almost 2,400 people who were surviving victims, family members and friends of victims.

The commemorative event was, in some ways, a contrast of opposites: a celebration and a remembrance; a call to prayer and a call to arms; moments of silence and cheers for our nation’s heroes. The Phoenix site itself is a symbol both of America’s determination, strength, and hope, and is yet a reminder of the great loss of life, the upheaval to so many lives, and the danger that still threatens our nation.

For Kasey Kincaid, the brother of Karen Ann Kincaid who was aboard Flight #77, the event brought some sense of closure. "We are bound together by loss, but also by the values we share," he said. "It struck me that by rebuilding this building in a year’s time, it is symbolic of the fact that we must rebuild our lives. This building will always be a symbol of loss, but also of the spirit of unity." Kincaid traveled from his home in Des Moines, Iowa, to attend the Pentagon ceremony.

The event began at 8:46 with a moment of silence in remembrance of the first plane that crashed in to the World Trade Center, and then an invocation by Major General Gaylord Gunhus, U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains.

Sailors in white and marines in dark jackets made a stunning appearance as they lined the bleachers. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said, "In a sense, we meet on a battlefield. If it does not appear so today, that is because of the singular devotion of men and women who worked day and night to fulfill a solemn vow – that not one stone would be out of place on this anniversary."

President Bush expressed his deep gratitude and respect for all those who lost their lives in the service of our country. "The 184 whose lives were taken in this place – veterans and recruits, husbands and wives, parents and children – left behind family and friends whose loss cannot be weighed. The murder of innocence cannot be explained, only endured. And though they died in tragedy, they did not die in vain."

While some victims and family members struggled visibly during the ceremony, the hopeful and resilient tone of the event was cathartic for many others. It cannot go unobserved that the media presence for some proved too much. But for others, sharing their stories publicly seemed to bring some relief.

The Mickley family, members of All Saints Parish in Manassas, welcomed the opportunity to share their memories of Patricia Mickley, beloved wife, mother, sister and aunt. Mickley was a civilian employee who worked as a budget analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Jen Youngblood, one of Patricia Mickley’s nieces, spoke fondly of her aunt. "Patty was like a sister to me…. She always had time. She came to all our events when we were growing up: swim meets, games, everything." Jen, a Department of Social Services counselor added," "This event helps. It makes me feel very proud of my aunt."

Twenty-year old Aimee Youngblood, a second year nursing student, echoed her older sister’s sentiments. "Patty was like a mother, a sister, my best friend, the best role model I ever had. I still miss her. The reality is harder now, harder to accept," she said.

In addition to Jen and Aimee, Patricia Mickley is survived by another niece, Anne Youngblood, two sisters, a brother, her husband Joe Mickley, and a daughter, 6-year old Marie Mickley.

Other survivors of the Pentagon tragedy decided to remember the day in solitude and silence. Bruce Ensley, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Burke, was working at the Pentagon during the crash. Ensley said, "I just stayed at home and kept a low profile." In reflecting back on Sept. 11, he said: "It changed my life. It was surely a factor in my deciding to retire. After 40 years of service, I decided to look for somewhere else to be." He added, "It has deepened my faith. There is more time left to do some good in this world. Everyone has a time, and I realize now that every day is a miracle."

For all Catholics, beginning with the Holy Father, the day was commemorated by Masses, a special novena, prayers for peace and healing on behalf of those who were affected in a particular way. In addition to celebrating the noon Mass at St. Thomas More Cathedral, Bishop Paul Loverde participated in an intereligious ceremony at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Arlington.

Before a standing room only crowd, representatives from a number of religious affiliations prayed for peace and unity in our nation and in the world. Bishop Loverde prayed alongside representatives from a number of local including: the Islamic Center, the Arlington Presbyterian Church, the Baha’is of Arlington County, the Clarendon Presbyterian Church, the Common United Methodist Church, the Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, the Arlington Fairfax Jewish Congregation, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and the United Church of Christ and several other local congregations. Bishop Loverde’s closing prayer was: "Lord, you reveal that those who work for peace will receive your inheritance. Help us to work without ceasing for that justice which brings true and lasting piece. Amen."

Copyright ©2002 Arlington Catholic Herald.  All rights reserved.