97 AMW Remembers 9/11

Photo By Senior Airman Jackson Haddon | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jason Martin, a response force journeyman assigned to 97th Security Forces Squadron, reads the Policemen’s Prayer during the 9/11 Remembrance ceremony, Sept. 11, 2018, at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. The ceremony is an annual event to honor those who died in the line of duty during the tragic events of 9/11.  

ALTUS AFB, OK, UNITED STATES

09.11.2018

Story by Kenny Scarle 

97th Air Mobility Wing

More than 100 members of the 97th Air Mobility Wing gathered the morning of Sept. 11, 2018 for the annual 9/11 memorial ceremony. The service took place at the base fire station to honor the men and women who died in the tragic attacks September 11, 2001.
The 9/11 ceremony consisted of three guest speakers, who each recounted what the day meant to them personally and how this annual ceremony helped them move forward. “This event means the world to me,” said Senior Airman Jason Martin, a response force journeyman with the 97th Security Forces Squadron. “We all remember where we were on September 11th. I was a freshman in high school. It shapes a lot of why we joined the Air Force.”
Following the guest speakers was the traditional ringing of a ceremonial bell, which symbolizes the loss of a firefighter during duty. Also, the song Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes to memorialize the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives 17 years ago in the events of 9/11.
Directly after the ceremony, participants in a five-mile, nine-mile or 11-mile memorial run lined up at the start line. The different lengths of runs took different routes, with some going through base housing and others heading through the golf course. They all ended back at the fire station to consider the events of the morning and the significance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Airman 1st Class Stinson Hamilton, air freight specialist for the 97th Logistic Readiness Squadron said this is a great way to reflect on the event that has changed so many lives. “This run is more than just a remembrance of who was there for 9/11, and who died on 9/11,” said Stinson. “It’s for everyone who served and everyone who fights because of that, and everyone that is here to defend our country and our rights.”

• Date Taken: 09.11.2018
• Date Posted: 01.30.2019 09:35
• Story ID: 304606
• Location: ALTUS AFB, OK, US