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National Civil Defense/Emergency Management Monument Groundbreaking
31 March 2001

With great joy the participants celebrated the groundbreaking for the National Civil Defense/Emergency Management monument on March 31, 2001 at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The event started with a social session that provided a casual and friendly atmosphere for attendees to meet one another.

Robert Straw, the Master of Ceremonies, started the Groundbreaking ceremony with the posting of the Colors by the Color Guard from the AMVETS Post 10 in Frederick, Maryland. Monsignor Phillips, from Mount Saint Mary’s College, followed with the invocation. Monsignor’s address mentioned the love of one’s neighbor needed to perform the works related to Civil Defense and Emergency Management when he stated "love, serve one another, honor one another". Very fitting comments for this joyous day and the volunteers and professionals working in Civil Defense and Emergency Management. In honor of our comrades no longer with us, bag piper Rodney Zeppel played Amazing Grace; a very moving tribute.

Local officials and special guests were introduced; Council President Patrick Boyle of Emmitsburg,; Public Safety Director Stan Poole of Frederick County Maryland, and the Sisters of Charity from the St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Emmitsburg, Maryland

State delegations were represented by David McMillian of Maryland Emergency Management, Peter LaPort of the District of Columbia Emergency Management, Cindy Causey of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Ron Trust representing the New Jersey Emergency Management Association. Also present were Mary Montgomery and Mike Wertz representing the Keystone Emergency Management Association, Lt. Richard Muth representing the Maryland Emergency Management Association and Firefighters from the states of Maine and Massachusetts.

National organizations were represented by Congressman Roscoe Bartlett of the 6^th Congressional District who is also a member of the Civil Defense Monument Commission; the president of the National Emergency Managers Association, Jim Green, from the State of Montana; Alexander Atzert, Chairman, National Civil Defense Monument Commission; Mr. Kenneth Burris, Acting Administrator, United States Fire Administration and representing the FEMA Director, Joe Allbaugh. Also attending were Stephen Sharro, Director, Emergency Management Institute, Billy Zwerschke, President, International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM); past presidents and officers of IAEM; American Veterans (AMVETS); monument Commission members, and honored guests.

Following are excerpts and summaries from addresses made to the groundbreaking attendees.

Congressman Roscoe Bartlett gave a moving speech. He recalled the history of Civil Defense and how during World War II civil defense "meant that we needed to be prepared in the event that somebody from outside the borders who shouldn’t be here was trying to come here" and how it is our responsibility to prepare ourselves. Congressman Bartlett sponsored the legislation for the monument to recognize the volunteers and professionals working in Civil Defense and Emergency Management and thanked all for supporting this good cause.

David McMillian spoke on behalf of the Governor of Maryland, Paris Glendenning, and the citizens of Maryland and gave thanks on their behalf for locating the monument in Maryland. Dave mentioned how the workers in Civil Defense are the unsung heroes who are the forerunners of today’s Emergency Management organizations.

Jim Green, President, National Emergency Manager’s Association and representing Montana, congratulated the organizers who made this monument a success. Jim mentioned that the principles of Civil Defense must evolve to handle the changing threats confronting us.

Patrick Boyle, Council President of Emmitsburg, Maryland mentioned what a great honor it is to welcome each one of you to this particularly hallowed area of Emmitsburg. Mr. Boyle also said "this memorial will forever honor and pay tribute to the Civil Defense and Emergency personnel, as well as to the countless volunteers, all who have given so selflessly to a grateful nation".

Stephen Sharro, Director, Emergency Management Institute (EMI). Steve mentioned that on behalf of the men and women of the EMI how pleased and proud we are to be associated with this project and have this great monument on our facility. It’s inclusive. It recognizes everyone from the Civil Defense wardens in World War II to the teachers who taught us to duck and cover during the cold days of the 50s, 60s and 70s. It also today celebrates the men and women from state and local and federal agencies who are responding to emergencies and disasters around the country. It’s really a wonderful tribute and we are pleased to be a part of it.

Alexander Atzert, Chairman, National Civil Defense Monument Commission: Alex mentioned that "We’ve been waiting a long time for this day, the day we break ground for the National Civil Defense/Emergency Management Monument (see complete text of address).

Billy Zwerschke, President, International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM): Billy mentioned his days as a youth when he was the mascot of a Civil Defense air spotters group and changes since then. He mentioned having an annual service at the monument with a guest speaker. And he encouraged all to get their state personnel to participate and have it truly become their monument.

Mr. Kenneth Burris, Acting Administrator, United States Fire Administration and representing the FEMA Director, Joe Allbaugh: Mr.Burris mentioned the fortunate experience of having a Civil Defense office in the first fire house where he worked and the debt we owe those who have worked in Civil Defense and Emergency Management, the importance of taking the necessary steps to reduce potential loss through preparedness, and that Director Joe Allbaugh is a strong advocate of those who work tirelessly to protect our communities. Ken mentioned this monument symbolizes that commitment, the commitment to strengthen and serve the very fabric of our country, its people and its communities. In closing Ken congratulated those here and through the nation whose efforts have brought this monument to reality.

Hugh Warner, member, National Civil Defense Monument Commission and Finance Chairman took the opportunity to thank those that have contributed and encouraged personnel at all levels of the Civil Defense/Emergency Management community to support and contribute to the construction of the monument. Hugh had a special flag made for the monument and the flag can be had for a $10,000 contribution.

Beth Armstrong was awarded a uncirculated Eisenhower silver dollar and plaque with inscription for her support. Beth immediately accepted the gift on behalf of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and its membership.

Mr. Ken Burris, representing FEMA and Director Allbaugh Mr. Billy Zwerschke, President, IAEM, and Mr. Alexander Atzert, Chairman, National Civil Defense Monument Commission, then proceeded with the formal ground breaking for the monument. Other dignitaries and honored guests where given the opportunity to participate in the groundbreaking and photo session.

Special recognition was given John Bex for his belief in personnel working in Civil Defense and Emergency Management and his long and outstanding support for construction of this monument.  The attendees mentioned that it’s been a pleasure knowing and working with John Bex over the years.

Many thanks for the outstanding job performed by the AMVETS Color Guard and for their significant and spontaneous financial contribution to the Monument