The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) is hosting its first annual 9/11 Remembrance Gala at a fitting location: the One World Observatory at One World Trade Center.
“We’re the first group they’ve ever allowed to have an event on that day at the observatory,” said Jeffrey Frisby, EANGUS’ executive director. “From one side you can see the Statue of Liberty, from the other you can see the entire city. It’s really remarkable.”
The event, beginning at 5 p.m. on Sept. 11 with a private tour of the World Trade Center before a cocktail hour and event dinner, is two years in the making. Frisby, a former master sergeant in the Arkansas Army National Guard, is expecting a sell-out crowd of between 250 and 300 people. In attendance will be not only National Guard members and their families, but also celebrities like actor Kelsey Grammer and local and state politicians.
EANGUS has commissioned Marine-turned artist Gavin Goode to finish a largescale painting of Lady Liberty on copper during the gala. And Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the 26th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, will be a featured speaker at the black-tie event.
“He has a great story to tell about what he saw from the National Guard on Sept. 10, 2001, to the change and significant impact we played on Sept. 11, 2001,” Frisby said.
That’s a common theme of the night, in fact: the way the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon forever altered the trajectory of guardsmen.
“I remember a time when I was in the Guard before 9/11, and it was, ‘Show up, hope to have something to do, and if not, just wait for hours on end to mop a floor and go home,’” Frisby said. “But these days there’s not a standard or metric we don’t uphold and meet. We’re engaged, active, effective and very valuable to this nation, and it’s all because of 9/11.”
EANGUS is a nonprofit aiming to improve and protect the benefits of those serving in the National Guard, as well as their families. The monies raised from the Remembrance Gala will go toward EANGUS’ charitable arm, the EANGUS We Care for America Foundation (also known as the National Guard Relief Foundation). So when airmen and soldiers of the past or present have financial needs, EANGUS may be able to help, Frisby said.
Beyond the practical fundraising, Frisby is excited to honor the service and sacrifice of National Guardsmen in the 9/11 era of warfighting.
“I think the role the National Guard plays in everyday America is why it’s important to remember,” Frisby said. “We’re prepared and ready, volunteers who really serve America.”
Visit EANGUS’ website to purchase tickets for the 9/11 Remembrance Gala.