Mount Airy honors residents who were killed during 9/11

MOUNT AIRY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Sean Ruth remembers all too well the day he lost his father, Bill Ruth, who worked at the Pentagon.

“Tuesday, September 11, 2001, was his first day back to work, and he wasn’t even supposed to be there that day,” Ruth explained. “He was going to be fishing and enjoying his vacation, but because of his love for the VFW, the military, and his work, he decided to go in that day.”

Bill Ruth was one of two Mount Airy residents who died during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Another resident, Ronald Vauk, also died.

23 years later, the town is still making sure they are honored.

“We lay two wreaths in front of the chapel in honor of Ronald Vauk and Bill Ruth, who were killed at the Pentagon on 911,” ceremony organizer Rosie Beall said. “It’s a memorable thing and it just brings back a lot of emotions.”

Ruth said it makes him proud that his father’s hometown still keeps his memory alive.

“I’m extremely proud of Mount Airy and glad that they still remember him,” Ruth said. “We’re talking about 23 years later, they still are doing a memorial service for him.”

“I think it’s important that we remember the heroes, the local heroes, but it’s also important to remember that nearly 3000 people lost their lives on 911 it’s important that we have this ceremony every year because the young adults and the kids today were not around,” Mount Airy Mayor Larry Hushour said.

The ceremony will be held on Sept. 11 at the Pine Grove Chapel at 6:30 p.m.

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