Good day and hello. This years BBQ is special to all of us, as it falls on Sept. 11th. I hope that we get to see the many friends made through the past and a lot of new friends. 

        For those of you that have been through other 9/11 memorials with me I look forward to seeing you again and meeting with friends that were made from years past. To those of you that are finding out about the BBQ let me say a few things.

        Hi there my name is Anthony. I held the 1st Stand Tall, Remember BBQ on the first memorial for the Trade Center victims. I thought about how I, as an American, would respond to this one day that changed all of our perceptions. In the faces in the pictures, in the ribbons and the tokens left , in the courage shown by those that fought to help others, and the resolve shown by those left behind, I saw a simple celebration of life.

         I thought how we might honor and remember those that were taken from us so brutally and abruptly. I thought that if it were me I would want people to gather and celebrate who I was and remember good times. I would want the people responsible to know that whatever they believe could hurt and destroy us, will bring them no rewards. Tears will continue to be shed as we remember and retell stories of the men, women and children that we can never hold, never touch, or ever meet.

         But also to let those that sought to scare or frighten me and my family. The last sound you will hear is laughter and song from my countrymen. We will remember what you have done and we will be stronger for it, everything you thought you would accomplish is nothing. I will not be frightened from my life. I will be vigilant in defending my family and home. I will not be scared. I will be secure. I will not cower. I will stand tall. I will laugh. I will read. I will paint or sing. I will join with friends and family and let you know that we are not afraid.

       So I came upon the only thing that I know everyone can agree on…..B B Q!!!

 Get your family and friends together and come help us Stand Tall and Remember. We are asking for a $10 donation at the door and that gets you all the food you want and all the music you can hear.

       This year I am again privileged and honored to be able to have Aero Park (AKA Marine Corps Park) of Watertown as our host. We are taking this occasion to help raise money for some good causes also. We are looking forward to being able to continue making contributions to Burn Camp for Kids through Fire and Iron, Cpl. Matthew Zindars Scholarship Fund, and the Marine Corps League.

                This year we are again bringing on the bands,

       The 9/11 Commission which is a group of volunteers that make it possible to bring you the BBQ in all its glory and these men and women are the backbone of this event. If you have any questions or if you would like to help with your time, resources or donations please contact me, Anthony at 920-261-6678.