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A flotilla of more than 2 dozen sail and power boats took part in a 9/11 Memorial Service off of the Oriental shore at noon on Wednesday.

Large US flags flew from many of the boats, which gathered in memory of those killed a year ago at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.

The ceremony on the Neuse may have been one of the few (perhaps only) on Wednesday to take place on VHF radio.

At high noon, the tribute began with a prayer from George Duffie, a retired Methodist minister on board "Merry Mary". His prayer could be heard over VHF Channel 72, along with a small bell that chimed after he read each ‘petition’:

Listen to audio of the memorial service including the prayer from George Duffie – then 60 seconds of silence (you’ll hear the sounds of being on the water) and finishing with Taps played by Chris Mele.

Audio enhancement, editing, and mastering – compliments of Dave Shirk, MSEE – Pamlico Sound, Inc.

The Prayer:

We grieve for all who lost their lives,
for those who suffer still
We pray for parents, husbands, wives who died against their wills.

Especially today we remember the courageous ones
All who gave their lives so freely, all who made the ultimate sacrifice
All who died unselfishly, and even deliberately

We also offer a prayer for each of our leaders today
May they, amid such great despair
Be wise in all they say

We trust your mercy and your grace
In you we shall not fear
May justice and peace somehow embrace
Be with your people here.

A minute of silence followed and then County Commissioner Christine Mele of Oriental on board the boat "Jeremiah", played Taps.

Posted Thursday September 12, 2002 by Keith N. Smith