COS Kalsu remembers 9/11

Photo By Staff Sgt. John Couffer | A soldier at Contingeny Operating Station Kalsu, holds up a burning white candle, here, Sept. 11. The candle is in remembrance of that day and to the enduring strength and resilience of the United States.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION KALSU, IRAQ

09.11.2011

Story by Sgt. John Couffer 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

COS KALSU, Iraq – Tears welled in the eyes, as emotions unsaid, overwhelmed many who attended, prayed, and remembered those who sacrificed everything.

In remembrance of those who gave of themselves for many, soldiers assigned to Contingency Operating Station Kalsu held a memorial for the September 11th attacks, at the COS chapel, here.

The chapel was darkened within, lit only by fluorescent lights in the back of the Sanctuary. An American flag, haloed by a small amber glow, our emblem of strength and unity, glared with pride behind the pulpit. On either side of the flag, were video screens, depicting images of that day the enemy thought would bring us to our knees, but instead, made our country one.

In front of the pulpit, standing tall, were two white candles, symbolizing the Twin Towers. Their flames burned with the ferocity of enduring freedom. Alone, they conveyed unspoken words of the never ending memories of that day, of the brave New York firefighters, the valiant New York police officers, and countless others who selflessly acted to aid others in need.

The events which transpired on that day forever changed the world, the lives of the families who lost loved ones, and will never be forgotten. For many, they can remember where they were when America was tested to the core.

Maj. David Stoner, the chaplain for 1st Brigade (Ironhorse), 1st Cavalry Division, led the memorial.

Stoner spoke of that day, with memories of how the events had taken hold of everyone, everywhere he went. He said many tuned to the live-feed on television monitors, which gave a front-line view of unfolding acts of terrorism. He attested to the fact it seemed there was a renewed sense of humanity and country, regardless if the acts were entirely malevolent.

Images of that day were shown in a slide-show format to the song “Where were you (when the world stopped turning)”, by the country artist, Alan Jackson. Soldiers watched and reacted in various ways to photographs depicted. Some soldiers sat back in reverence, some had placed their hands on their chin; others closed their eyes to unspoken horrors, and others shed tears of pain.

During the memorial, prayers were offered for America, the families who have endured, and our military forces who continue to safeguard this nation.

Stoner said he reflects how it was evident, the country became stronger, more unified; and how an effect of determination, resolution, and a greater state of patriotism overcame most.

Stoner attested to the fact that an act meant to cripple this nation, actually propelled it forward. An act of terrorism seemed to move others to be free and be victorious, “for wherever there was a flat surface, so too was a sticker of an American flag.”

The memorial, a small fraction of what we can do to honor those on that day, was concluded with a candle lighting ceremony.

“They sought to extinguish the light of all America stands for,” said Stoner. “The lives that were lost are never forgotten nor were they in vain for they have helped change this world.”

• Date Taken: 09.11.2011
• Date Posted: 09.12.2011 08:47
• Story ID: 76871
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION KALSU, IQ