“Never Forget”: Teri Maude Shares a Personal Perspective on Service, Sacrifice, and 9/11

During the 2026 Memorial Day Ceremony at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, the Central Kentucky Veterans Committee and Camp Nelson National Cemetery were honored to welcome Ms. Teri Maude as the keynote speaker. Centered on the theme “Never Forget,” the ceremony held special significance as the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Ms. Maude is the widow of LTG Timothy J. Maude, the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, who was killed during the attack on the Pentagon while serving the Nation. In a moving and deeply personal address, she reflected on her husband's life, service, and sacrifice, while sharing the lasting impact 9/11 has had on her family and countless others. Her remarks resonated deeply with the audience, and many of the more than 2,500 attendees described her presentation as one of the most heartfelt and impactful keynote addresses ever delivered at the Memorial Day ceremony.

Following her remarks, Ms. Maude was presented with a certificate signed by the Governor of Kentucky recognizing her appointment as a Kentucky Colonel, one of the Commonwealth's highest civilian honors. She also presented Mike Niklarz, Director of the Kentucky National Cemetery Complex, with an Honorary Horatio Gates Medal in recognition of his dedicated service and support of veterans and their families.

The ceremony was hosted by the Central Kentucky Veterans Committee, a registered 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting ceremonies and commemorative events at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Comprised entirely of veteran volunteers, the committee continues its mission of honoring those who served and sacrificed for our Nation. The visit by Ms. Maude was coordinated by COL (Ret.) Paul Proffitt, a 2012 AGCRA Hall of Fame inductee and former Chairman of the Central Kentucky Veterans Committee.

Through her powerful message of remembrance, resilience, and sacrifice, Ms. Maude reminded all in attendance why Memorial Day remains a sacred opportunity to honor those who gave their lives in service to our Nation—and why we must never forget.