January-February 2026
This Family RV Association chapter, now 50 years old, helped chapter members remember their fallen son and all victims who perished on September 11, 2001.
By Mauro Magliocchino, F160904, President, Metropolitan Chapter
The Whitfords host a memorial at their Delaware home each year to honor their son, Mark, and thousands of others who perished terror on September 11, 2001.
This past September, members of the Metropolitan chapter traveled to Lewes, Delaware, to be with fellow members Roger and Carol Whitford, F332659, during their annual remembrance of the 9/11 attacks at a monument they created at their home. Sadly, the couple lost a son on that horrific day in 2001. Mark Whitford, a New York City firefighter, was among the first responders who died in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
The Whitfords host the Patriot Day of Service each year to honor their son and all 2,977 people who lost their lives as a result of the attacks on September 11, 2001. They began work on a monument 10-plus years ago, which has gained recognition on the national 9/11 Memorial & Museum registries. It is located on their property in Lewes, Delaware.
Our chapter, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in June 2025, has members in New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, and Florida. I mention this because Metropolitan members took the time to travel from each of these locations to honor Mark and his family in Delaware and to dedicate a plaque to the memorial from our chapter and from our hearts.
Mark was one of 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.
At the 2025 ceremony, members of the New York City Fire Department were the first to march in. They were followed by bagpipers from the Delaware State Police Pipes and Drums, the Lewes Fire Department, local dignitaries, and speakers who miraculously survived and shared their personal experiences. It was a very touching experience.
The main purpose for this monument and for our chapter’s attendance is to foster the thought that we should never forget those we lost or how the country came together as one, helping each other cope as one in this great nation of ours.
Approximately 500 spectators were in attendance.
The Whitford memorial is located at 17181 Minos Conaway Road, in Lewes, Delaware. Visitors are welcome year-round. The Whitfords also have established a scholarship fund in their son’s honor to benefit Tottenville High School in Staten Island, New York, where Mark was a city champion wrestler (www.whitford.vip).