A Time to Remember

This summer my family had the privilege of attending Student Leadership University in Washington, DC. We arrived in DC a day early in order to do some sightseeing before the conference began. We had never been to DC and I wanted to experience the museums with my family. I would encourage you to make a journey to DC if you have never been.

The sights of our nation’s capitol are incredible: the Capitol, White House, Holocaust Museum, National Archives, and Air and Space Museum. The monuments simply leave you speechless. The highlight of our conference tour was Christ Church, the place where George Washington attended worship with his family. Christ Church was where Robert E. Lee came to worship. We sat in that little church and sang Amazing Grace. Wow! It was incredible.

However, the first place we went when we arrived was Arlington National Cemetery. The reason: Major Dwayne Williams. Major Williams was working in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 when hijackers flew American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., crashing into the military headquarters building and killing 189 people (64 on the plane and 125 on the ground), including Major Dwayne Williams.

I have the incredible privilege of serving as Pearl Williams’ pastor. She is Dwayne’s mother. She sat with me before we left for Washington and recounted the events following our nation’s worst attack, describing in graphic detail the pain of losing a son in the worst act of evil our nation has ever seen. Then she handed me a gift: a parking permit to drive through Arlington Cemetery, a map of the cemetery showing the exact location of the Pentagon Memorial, and the final resting place of her son.

Arlington is recognized by most for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Kennedy memorial. And they were impressive, especially the “changing of the guard.” Yet, the first place we drove to once inside the cemetery was the Pentagon Memorial and the burial place of Pearl’s son.

We were reminded at Arlington of the tremendous sacrifice of so many for the freedoms we hold dear. We were reminded of the bravery that was displayed in every section of the cemetery. We were reminded of the grief every family must have experienced when the news of loss knocked upon their door. We were reminded of Pearl.

Nine years later the visual drama of 9/11 still runs through our minds. Nine years later families who lost loved ones in New York, Washington, and in Pennsylvania still grieve. Now, nine years later we have an opportunity to honor their sacrifice. This Saturday (9/11) at 11:00 AM at Jacksonville Cemetery, a memorial service will be held for Major Dwayne Williams. Pearl would be both comforted and honored by your presence. Remember that so many paid a high price upon the altar of freedom. Honor them. Pray for their families. Honor Pearl. And remember that the ultimate sacrifice took place over 2000 years ago at a place called Calvary.

Derek