Time/Date/Location: The Hampton Military Affairs Committee is hosting "A Day of Remembrance and Hope" commemoration at 8:00 AM, Saturday, September 11th, at Gosnold's Hope Park, 901 E. Little Back River Road, in Hampton.
Where is the event exactly in the park? You will see the Trees of Hope decorated for the event as you enter from East Little Back River Road. You will also see bleachers and a tent set up to your left immediately upon entry to the park. These mark the event-site.
Who will be there? Uniformed representatives of the five Armed Forces, families and friends of the honored fallen, governmental and civic leaders, and concerned citizens.
Is parking available? There are plenty of parking spaces within the park itself.
Do I need to wear anything special? No. While some come dressed casually, others dress more formerly, as this is a commemoration in which the military arrives in their service uniforms. Some civilians will choose to wear coat-and-tie.
What will happen at the ceremony? This is a dignified civic event with brief speeches, a presentation of City Proclamations recognizing those who serve, support and sacrifice; a color guard, invocation and benediction, the National Anthem, several vocal selections and the playing of "Taps."
How long will the event last? Roughly one hour.
What is the "Reading of Names?" Each year, upon conclusion of the formal "A Day of Remembrance and Hope" ceremony, citizens gather around the Trees of Hope in the Soils of Justice and read the names of all those lost in the three attack sites on September 11th, 2001, and all those who have given their lives for our nation in combat since that date.
How Do I volunteer to "Read the Names?" You may call the Military Affairs Committee Chairman, John Gately, at
757-851-3085, or Vice-Chair, Peggy Mertz, at 757-722-4348, to volunteer your service. Last-minute volunteers are also welcome the day of the event.
Could you tell me more? This year, as in others, "A Day of Remembrance and Hope" will direct attention to the events September 11th, 2001 and the acts of sacrifice and service by emergency service responders as well as to service members from our region who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country in support of combat operations since that date. We expect friends and family members of these fallen military heroes to attend.
This 2010 observance continues a ten-year tradition. On December 11, 2001, the City of Hampton planted eleven evergreen "Trees of Hope" in commingled soils ("The Soils of Justice") from the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Since that date, Hampton citizens have gathered annually at the Trees of Hope to keep the memory of that fateful day alive and to read aloud the names of those who were lost on that day of horror and day of awakening. Accordingly, fire and rescue teams, police officers and our local military will be recognized for their continuing sacrifices on our behalf.
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