9/11 Remembrance prayer breakfast

Photo By Master Sgt. Opal Vaughn | Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Rush, with the 63rd Engineers, becomes emotional while watching a video presentation of the September 11 attacks during a 9/11 remembrance prayer breakfast held in the dining facility located at Forward Operating Base Warhorse located in the Diyala Province, Iraq, Sept. 11, 2008. The breakfast was very emotionally filled as some Soldiers at the breakfast began to shed tears as they watched the presentation.  

IRAQ

10.04.2008

Story by Spc. Opal Vaughn  

14th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Opal Vaughn
14th Public Affairs Detachment

Two towers and over 3,000 people dead. Seven years have passed now since the tragic day that terrorism set foot on U.S. soil.

Seven years, yet the September 11 attacks, often referred to as 9/11, still set fresh in the minds of Americans and continue to linger on our hearts like a shadow.

Our commander-in-chief, the honorable President George W. Bush, once stated in reference to 9/11, "Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It's a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning." Bush continued adding, "But not only of loss and mourning; it's also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend-even a friend whose name it never knew."

Every year on the anniversary of 9/11, mourners gather around the world to remember those who lost their lives and for those serving to procure freedom by fighting the war on terrorism, which have also lost their lives.

In honor of their lost brothers in arms, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment Soldiers took a moment to remember those during a 9/11 remembrance prayer breakfast in the dining facility at Forward Operating Base Warhorse located in the Diyala province, Iraq, Sept. 11, 2008.

No matter how long ago 9/11 occurred the pain of that day still feels so real for some Soldiers.

"I couldn't help but cry today," said Bronx, N.Y. native Spc. Naomi Dennis, with 1-46 Signal Company, 1st Armored Division, "I lived in New York for 14 years, plus I have family there."

"My uncle worked in the Twin Towers, but the morning of September 11 he didn't go to work that day," Dennis said holding back tears. "He could have died that day. It touches me to know that I am here, serving my country. All those people who died on 9/11 and all of the service members who have died as well, we have no choice but to remember," Dennis added.

While Soldiers still filed in the dining facility for the prayer breakfast service, guest speaker, 2SCR regimental executive commander, Lt. Col. James Isenhower, walked to the podium and spoke. "It is important that we remain humble, visionary and confident," said Isenhower, "and to varying degrees, every Soldier here, upholds those same values."

"I believe that on Tuesday morning, in 2001, the victims of 9/11 sacrificed their lives living those ideals that characterize our nation; self-determination, compassion and charity," Isenhower said.

"In New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, Americans were attacked and died doing what makes us special; living their lives as an example of the best balance that humanity has to offer," Isenhower stated.

"So how do we honor the victims of 9/11? We must remain humble, visionary and confident. But we will also never forget," Isenhower stated.

In the spirit of remembrance, 2SCR regimental chaplain, Maj. Samuel Lee, referencing a famous quote, said, "If we forget about our past history, were doomed to repeat that same history again."

"I want my Soldiers as well as myself to remember what took place on 9/11. Our tour is ending soon, so it is important to remember our fellow Soldiers and our fellow Americans that have lost their lives, to give us focus," Lee added.

"Some of our Soldiers joined after 9/11 because of their dedication to serve and pride in their country. Even those who were already in the military before 9/11, they serve a noble cause," Lee said. "Regardless of where we are, we must remember that we are Americans. We are U.S. Soldiers."

"So many innocent lives were lost because of the terrorism act, which was very bad. But some good came out of it as well," Lee stated, adding, "unity, perseverance and dedication came out of this terrible act. We fight for freedom, liberty and justice. And that is why we should remember this day."

• Date Taken: 10.04.2008
• Date Posted: 10.04.2008 14:43
• Story ID: 24513
• Location: IQ