Never Forget: RC(SW) holds remembrance ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan

Photo By Master Sgt. John Jackson | Marines, sailors and coalition partners with Regional Command (Southwest) salute while the American flag is raised at the RC(SW) headquarters during a 9/11 memorial ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2014. “For Americans, 9/11 evokes a very special meaning. It’s a memory of the world as we knew it on that day changing forever. Today’s simple but solemn ceremony is a tribute to those innocent young men, women and children who were killed by a cowardly and heartless act of terror,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander, RC(SW) and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

09.11.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. John Jackson 

Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Marines, sailors and coalition partners gathered at the Regional Command (Southwest) headquarters aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Several hundred service members gathered for a small ceremony during the morning hours, Sept. 11.

During the ceremony, a brief script was read aloud reminding all in attendance the timeline of events on that fateful day.

Following the reading, the national anthem was sung while the American flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff. The service members then observed a moment of silence.

Brigadier Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commander, RC(SW) and Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan, concluded the ceremony by speaking to the service members about the significance of the day.

“For Americans, 9/11 evokes a very special meaning,” Brig. Gen. Yoo said. “It’s a memory of the world as we knew it on that day changing forever.

“Today’s simple but solemn ceremony is a tribute to those innocent young men, women and children who were killed by a cowardly and heartless act of terror. That moment of silence gave us an opportunity to reflect and reminds us of why we are here today in Afghanistan in Helmand province. All of you could have chosen an easier path, but you chose not to. You chose a life of service, of sacrifice, of hardship and challenges.

“It is my honor and privilege to stand here with you today, on this most sacred day for Americans. And I know together we will not forget the sacrifices of all our predecessors, and we will finish off this mission to the expectations of our fellow service members, our nations and the free world. God bless America and Semper Fidelis.”

• Date Taken: 09.11.2014
• Date Posted: 09.11.2014 03:01
• Story ID: 141757
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF