NMRTC Bethesda Sailors Take Part in 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alec Kramer, NMRTC Bethesda Public Affairs
BETHESDA, Md. – Sept. 11, 2025 — Sailors, civilians, and visitors gathered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor those who continue to serve in defense of the nation.
The ceremony began shortly after morning colors with an invocation, setting a reverent tone for the event. Attendees bowed their heads as the opening prayer called for unity, remembrance, and strength for the families of the fallen and those still serving.
The first of two guest speakers, Battalion Commander (Retired) Keith Cartica, a New York City firefighter who responded at Ground Zero on the day of the attacks, shared a heartfelt message. He honored the memories of the fallen and recited an original poem he wrote to capture the courage and sacrifice witnessed that day.
Following his remarks, Fiscal Year 2026 chief petty officer (CPO) selectees laid a ceremonial wreath at the Walter Reed 9/11 Memorial. The wreath, placed in silence, symbolized enduring respect for those who lost their lives and the families who continue to bear their absence.
The second guest speaker, Captain John “Woody” Woodall, was sent to New York from North Carolina to assist the families of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on that day.
Woodall spoke of resilience and service beyond tragedy. He honored not only the victims and first responders but also the U.S. military members who have served since. He described his ongoing mission to support veterans and families affected by 9/11 and announced that his artwork will be permanently dedicated to the Walter Reed 9/11 Memorial as a lasting tribute.
Capt. Jeffrey J. Klinger, commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bethesda, reflected on his own memories of that day and emphasized the need for constant readiness.
“September 11th was such an impactful morning that we all remember where we were when we first heard the news,” said Klinger. “I had just driven down from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Newport, Rhode Island, with Lt. (now Rear Adm.) Case, and we were lamenting the fact that we might never get a chance to deploy again. Everything changed for our military that morning, and we both deployed numerous times in the years that followed. This is the reason we always need to be ready to go—because at any moment something we have never thought could happen suddenly does, and we must rise and defend our nation.”
Twenty-four years after the attacks, the Walter Reed community continues to honor the fallen and those who safeguard the nation, embodying the Navy core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
NMRTC Bethesda mission is to maximize warfighter performance through optimized medical readiness tailored to operational requirements; enhance the readiness of the medical force to sustain expeditionary medical capability; and train and develop the Navy Medicine Force.