In the early morning hours of September 11, 2001, the world anxiously watched as horrific terrorist attacks occurred in Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington D.C. Every year since, Americans gather to remember and honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in the World Trade Center, Pennsylvania and Pentagon terrorist attacks, a powerful reminder of the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil.
“On September 11, 2001, tragedy struck Americans in New York and across the U.S.,” said Staff Sgt. Keith Engle, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron lead firefighter. “We pay tribute to the friends and families who lost their lives during the devastating terrorist attacks.”
Team Tyndall honored those fallen heroes during a remembrance ceremony beginning at 8:46 a.m. EST, the time when the first Boeing 767 crashed into the North Tower. The ceremony included a moment of silence followed by words from Col. Brian Laidlaw, 325th Fighter Wing commander, and Don Arias, 325th FW Public Affairs chief.
“Memorials like this can also be part of a healing process, especially for 9/11 family members,” Arias said. “It brings together those who have lost loved ones and gives them a way to remember and honor their service and sacrifice. It also is a way we all can rededicate ourselves to serving our country and our community.”
Arias, a native of New York, shared a personal account of how those tragic events deeply affected his family.
“I’ll never forget the courage of my brother Adam,” Arias said. “The courage he showed when he assisted rescuers, leading people to safety, nor will I forget the terrible price he paid just for simply being an American.
Arias continued, “And now 17 years after 9/11, we honor the military, the fire service, the police and first responders who give their lives in service to our country every single day. It’s a somber duty that we have, to remember the fallen at this time of year.”
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress designated September 11 of each year as “Patriot Day.”
“Patriot Day is about remembering the innocent men, women, and children whose lives were callously lost,” Engle concluded. “Additionally, the fire service pays special tribute to the selfless sacrifice of the many first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. We honor our fallen comrades with a remembrance ceremony in their names.”