NSA Naples Holds 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrea Rumple
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy – Sailors onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples held a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Capodichino piazza, Sept. 11, to commemorate the attacks that occurred 18 years ago.
Sailors, civilians and Italian foreign nationals gathered for the ceremony which honored those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack.
“It is important, from our most junior service member to our newest local national employee, to never forget what happened that day and the ongoing global war on terrorism,” said NSA Naples’ Command Master Chief Andrew Hochgraver. “The attacks didn’t just impact the United States, but it impacted the entire world’s way of life.”
During the ceremony, chief petty officer selectees recounted the events of 9/11 through synopses of each hijacking.
“September 11 should remind us that not only as a nation, but the world as a people, we must stand together against the evil that wishes our destruction,” said Chief Information Systems Technician George Brown, a ceremony organizer. “We must be the best versions of ourselves, be kind to each other and live to the fullest in honor of those who were lost to us on that sad, sad day.”
Following the description of the events that transpired, a ceremonial wreath was laid in honor of those who lost their lives.
“This is my sixth time attending a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony,” said Vincenzo Boccolino, NSA Naples’ assistant fire chief and Italian citizen. “It is very emotional every time.”
Also during the ceremony, a bell was rung nine times in recognition of each attack and for first responders who sacrificed their lives.
“To the families devastated on this tragic day, I pledge to you that I will never compromise with evil,” said Brown. “My daily life, in and out of uniform, will honor those who sacrificed unwillingly and the families that have lost so much.”
NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.