We are the power of one

Photo By Sandra Lucas | Today, on the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, American and coalition forces gathered on Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 lives lost as a result of the attack.  

CAMP PHOENIX, AFGHANISTAN

09.11.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Sandra Lucas 

226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

KABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Today, on the 12th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, American and coalition forces gathered on Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 lives lost as a result of the attack.

The ceremony, narrated by U.S. Army Sgt. Adrian Ortiz, 56th Military Police Company, Mesa, Ariz., detailed the events of “the day that changed everything.”

With words and silence, Task Force Tarpon and attending guests took the time to reflect and remember.

Following the invocation by Chaplain Anthony Holloway, 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Mobile, Ala., Canadian army Capt. Samantha Wall, Canadian Contribution Training Mission, Afghanistan (CCTM-A), performed Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.

Readings included a recital by Maj. Jeremiah Hood, 226th MEB, of "If They Could Speak" by Rosanne Pellicane, a 9/11 narrative speech by Col. Sylvester Cannon, commanding officer 226th MEB/Kabul Base Cluster, a reading of Abraham Lincoln's letter to Lydia Bixby by Lt. Col. Vincent Patterson, 226th MEB, a recital by Lt. Col. Bruce Strickland, 226th MEB, of "The Names" by Billy Collins, a recital by Lt. Col. David Ward, 226th MEB, of "Turn Again To Life" by Mary Lee Hall, a reading of extracts from Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" by Lt. Col. James McGlaughn, 226th MEB, and a recital of Ecclesiastes "A Time for Everything" by Staff Sgt. Laura Roe, 226th MEB.

A pause of silence marked the end of each reading.

Restorative and supportive remarks from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Balan R. Ayyar, commanding general, Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435 inspired attendees.

With the bright red fire truck gleaming in the setting sun, Firefighter Christopher Meredith, Camp Phoenix Fire Department read the Firemen’s Prayer, dedicated to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives responding to the World Trade Center emergency on Sept. 11.

Maj. Douglas Parmenter, 226th MEB and a police officer himself, read the "Policeman’s Prayer" asking for courage, strength, dedication and compassion.

"We must remember that out of a day of unspeakable horror, came an endless outpouring of human kindness that reaffirms our connection to one another, it will guide us as we go forward," said Ortiz.

As a final tribute Canadian army Capt. Melissa Anthony, CCTM-A read the poem “One” by Cheryl Sawyer, in which the closing line reads, “We are the power of one. We are united.”

To honor those that have fallen on this day in history, and throughout the past 12 years in the fight for freedom, attendees saluted the Fallen Soldier Battle Cross and Last Alarm Memorials.

• Date Taken: 09.11.2013
• Date Posted: 09.11.2013 21:44
• Story ID: 113488
• Location: CAMP PHOENIX, AF