Brian Sweeney died on a plane hijacked by terrorists on September 11, but his presence was being felt last Thursday at Blish Point on a picture-perfect day at Barnstable Harbor.

A large photograph of the former Navy flier seemed to be overseeing the ceremonies, as his widow Julie Sweeney of Barnstable accepted the first Defense of Freedom Medal from Navy Rear Admiral James Godwin.

The Defense of Freedom Medal was established after the atrocity of 9/11 to honor civilian Department of Defense employees who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. Brian Sweeney was working as a Defense Department contractor at the time of his death onboard hijacked Flight 175.

A Boeing 767, designated as United Airlines Flight 175, left Logan Airport at 8:15 on the morning of 9/11 with 56 passengers and nine crew members onboard. At 9:04, it pierced the south tower of New York City's World Trade Center and exploded into a ball of flames.

MARK MUMFORD PHOTO DEFENSE OF FREEDOM -- Julie Sweeney of Barnstable stands with Navy Rear Admiral James Godwin at last Thursday's Defense of Freedom Medal presentation ceremony at Blish Point at Barnstable Harbor. Sweeney accepted the award honoring her husband, former Navy Lt. Brian Sweeney, who died onboard hijacked Flight 175 on September 11.

Even though that morning's Flight 11 out of Boston had already crashed into the north tower, it was the sight of 175 going into the Trade Center that awakened many Americans to the reality that a massive terrorist attack was taking place as opposed to a hideous accident.

"Today, as in any other day, we remember Brian," Julie Sweeney told the 50 or so friends, family and onlookers gathered under the midday, mid-Cape sun to witness the first-of-its-kind medal presentation.

It was a low-key and warm ceremony by traditional military standards. It only took 10 minutes.

Admiral Godwin, himself a Navy flier with combat experience, told those gathered, "I'm really proud to be here today. This will go down in my memory banks as one of the things I'll always remember about September 11."

On the eve of the Memorial Day weekend, the admiral said the events of 9/11 had united the country, with the tangible evidence being a spike in recruiting.

In accepting the Defense of Freedom Medal, Julie Sweeney noted the stiff wind off the water and pointed out, "This is truly a Brian kind of day."

She asked those sharing the moment to continue to pray for this country and to remember to let those they love, know that they love them.

Finally, she said, "Remember Brian's spirit."