Stafford County invites all members of the public to its annual 9/11 ceremony to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in trying to help the victims of the September 11, 2001, attack as well as remember the civilian lives lost. Stafford County has held an annual bell ringing ceremony since the year after 9/11. Speakers include Stafford County Board of Supervisors Chairman Crystal Vanuch, Rock Hill District, Stafford County Fire and Rescue Chief Joseph Cardello and Major Shawn Kimmitz from the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.
“We gather every year as a sign of respect to those we lost that day,” said Chairman Crystal Vanuch. “We also gather to remind ourselves and the public of how important it is that we all work together to keep our country safe.”
The ceremony takes place near the entrance to the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 9. A bell ringing ceremony will be performed that involves five tolls, a signal that traditionally marked the safe return of firefighters to the station. The bell ringing is also used at funerals for fire and rescue personnel.
Chairman Vanuch will be the keynote speaker. The order of events is listed below:
Welcome – Chairman Crystal VanuchIntroduction of the Chaplain – Chairman Vanuch
Invocation – Pastor Chris Brown
Presentation of the Colors, and Singing of National Anthem
Remarks – Chairman Vanuch
Remarks – Major Shawn Kimmitz
Remarks – Chief Joseph Cardello
Bell Ringing Ceremony – Chief Cardello
Taps
Dismissal – Chairman Crystal Vanuch
