Fort Hamilton hosts annual 9/11 commemoration ceremony
A scene from the 9/11 commemoration at Fort Hamilton. Photos: Wei Chen, Fort Hamilton MWR
By Jaime DeJesus Brooklynreporter.com
September 14, 2020
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U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton on Sept. 10 hosted its annual 9/11 commemoration ceremony inside the community club to honor those who died in the terrorist attacks that occurred 18 years ago.
The event was held with limited personnel due to COVID-19, but many joined virtually on Facebook Live.
“For so very many, this is the day of remembrance,” said Col. Craig Martin, Fort Hamilton garrison commander. “For service members, first responders, family members, friends, I know we all can reach back in our memory and remember clearly the day that this occurred. It forever changed my life, and I know for most of you, it forever changed yours.”
Col. Craig Martin, Fort Hamilton garrison commander.
Another speaker was Jason Otaño, Army Reserves legal officer and general counsel at the New York City Council. Throughout his speech, Otaño recalled that he was on the subway to the Manhattan Bridge when the North Tower was hit and discussed his father FDNY firefighter Adolf Otaño, who served at Engine 202 in Red Hook.
“He jumped into his car and hopped on the Belt Parkway, and I can only imagine what was on his mind as he passed right here in Fort Hamilton and made his way downtown,” he said of his father. “He sped to his firehouse in Red Hook, the home of Engine 202 and Ladder 101. The firehouse by then was empty, but he grabbed the keys to the spare utility truck, packed up his spare tools, and made his way to the World Trade Center. By the time he arrived at the scene, both towers were down, and seven members from his firehouse were lost in the rubble.”
Jason Otaño, Army Reserves legal officer and general counsel at the New York City Council.
Jason Otaño saw his father the following morning. Still determined, Adolf went back to the World Trade Center.
The ceremony concluded with a 21 gun salute, the playing of “Taps” by retired Specialist Jorge Lopez, National Guard 24th Civil Support Team, and a playing of “God Bless America” by Emerald Society Pipes and Drums.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
