By Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge
The Rotary Club of Pearlridge (RCOP) would like to send their prayers to the blessed souls who perished on this day 25 years ago in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Towers in New York City. We would also like to send our prayers to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as survivors and their families.
The RCOP was truly honored to welcome special guest speaker Rotarian Gilbert “Gil” Mestler to our lunch meeting on Friday, September 11 that was held at the Highlands Intermediate School Student Center. After RCOP President Tim Mehlhorn introduced Oahu Central Assistant District Governor Dennis Drake, AG Drake introduced our guest speaker Mr. Mestler to the RCOP membership in attendance. AG Drake and Mr. Mestler are both members of Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor and very close friends.
Mr. Mestler spoke about his experience and profound connection to 9/11 and to many who lost their lives, as well as those who lost loved ones. Mr. Mestler is born and raised in New York City and was living in New York City on the day of the World Trade Center tragedy on September 11, 2001. He is a 1975 Graduate of West Point, Infantry Officer, Army Special Forces Green Beret, an Attorney, Registered Intensive Care Nurse, and Afghanistan/Iraq War Veteran.
Mr. Mestler was invited by Honolulu City and County Mayor Rick Blangiardi to speak on Friday night at the city’s 25th 9/11 Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony. The RCOP was given an opportunity to hear a part of his speech during our lunch meeting. It was a very emotional speech and a true testament to the courage, bravery, and American spirit of sacrifice of one’s self to save others in time of tragedy.
We were blessed to have Mr. Mestler as our clubs incredibly inspirational speaker on a day that once again touched all Americans and the world in remembrance of 9/11 on its 25th Anniversary.
Mahalo to AG Drake and Mr. Mestler for being there on Friday in support of the Rotary Club of Pearlridge.
Service Above Self
Proud to be a Rotarian
Photos and videos by Barry Villamil
VIDEO LINKS POSTED ON FACEBOOK/ROTARY CLUB OF PEARLRIDGE
