How the APG community carried a message of readiness for 9/11
The second annual memorial march was planned by Aberdeen Proving Ground Police Chief Eric Ouimette for the second consecutive year, focused on honoring the fallen emergency services personnel and the nearly 3,000 lives lost. The march serves as an act of remembrance and aims to build community for a common cause. The action of passing the flag from one person to the next symbolizes that as one person falls, another is ready to continue. Having a continuous rotation of people for 24 hours reminds us of the critical impact readiness had on the day of the attacks, and demonstrates how readiness and vigilance exist and are valued across the installation.
The event started Sept. 10 at the Aberdeen Proving Ground fire station. The participants walked in groups or solo with an American flag down Aberdeen Boulevard to the intersection of Maryland Boulevard for a round-trip distance of 0.911 miles. The walk began with the garrison commander, Col. Troy S. Johnson, carrying the flag, which was then carried by the community. Johnson concluded the march by giving closing remarks.
On Sept. 11, 2001, Johnson was serving at Fort Gordon, Georgia, preparing to report to Officer Candidate School. Having served through the Global War on Terrorism, Johnson said, "The way I remember 9/11 is by wearing the uniform with the intention to honor those who deployed, fought, and sacrificed their lives in the Global War on Terrorism."
When asked about 9/11 and what it meant to him, Ouimette's feelings echoed Johnson's: "I reflect on the sacrifice made on the day and a promise to never forget."
Ouimette served as a military police officer (31B) at the time of the attacks. Following his military service, Ouimette worked as a contractor in Baghdad, Iraq, for four years, conducting high-threat protection. He takes time to remember and honor the fallen daily. For younger generations born after the events of Sept. 11, he said: "I want them to understand what true duty looks like. Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's choosing to serve despite it.
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