CHEER Honors 25th Anniversary of 9/11 with Emotional Patriot Day Remembrance Ceremony
On Thursday, September 17, 2026, CHEER, Inc. marked the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, with a poignant Patriot Day remembrance ceremony at the CHEER Community Center in Georgetown. The free public event brought local residents, first responders, and community leaders together to honor the victims, survivors, and heroes of that tragic day.
Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by a striking tribute display: a large American flag suspended over the entryway of the CHEER Community Center by Indian River Fire Company’s ladder truck.
The morning’s program commenced with opening remarks from CHEER leadership, followed by presentations and deeply personal reflections from those who experienced September 11 firsthand. Debra Burlingame’s remarks reflected on her brother, Captain Charles F. “Chic” Burlingame III, who was the pilot of American Airlines Flight 77 when it was hijacked and flown into the Pentagon. Claudia Matteo, a survivor who was working as an IBM Project Manager for American Express on the 25th floor of 3 World Financial Center—a building connected directly to the World Trade Center’s South Tower. Tom Lombardo, a veteran American Airlines pilot of 39 years and close personal friend of Captain Burlingame, provided heartfelt remarks.
In addition to community members, distinguished guests and dignitaries in attendance to pay their respects, were those representing first responders, such as the Delaware Fire Marshal’s office, Delaware State Police, Millsboro Police, Laurel Police Georgetown Fire Company and Indian River Fire Company. The event was also attended by Delaware Representative Valerie Jones Giltner, Director of Delaware Emergency Management A.J. Schall and representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester and U.S. Congresswoman Sarah McBride.
“September 11 remains a defining moment in American history,” noted CHEER, Inc. Board President and event organizer Walter Koopman. “Twenty-five years later, CHEER is proud to bring our community together to honor the strength, unity, and courage that emerged in the face of tragedy.” For more than ten years, CHEER has held an annual Patriot Day event each September to honor members of the armed services and first responders.
CEO Perspective September