During his first public speaking engagement, Pine Bluff Arsenal Commander Col. Matthew C. Mason told the crowd, “Despite the efforts 24 years ago to destroy the American spirit, the country stands strong and unbroken”.
This was his message at the City of Pine Bluff’s 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony held Sept. 11, on the plaza of the city’s Civic Center, surrounded by city and Arsenal leadership, fire and police department personnel, first responders, students, and area citizens.
As she greeted the crowd, Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian L. Flowers paid tribute to Petty Officer Nehamon Lyons, IV, a Pine Bluff native, who died in the 9-11 attacks.
“We paused to pay tribute to one of our own. His courage, service and ultimate sacrifice reflect the best of who we are as a people,” she said. “His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, his friends, and this city, who are so proud to call him ours. May his memory inspire us to serve with compassion, to stand together as one and never forget the cost of freedom.”
We must remember the price of democracy, said Flowers. “Our armed service men and women are important and critical to not only our safety, our power and to our democracy. Thank you for being here.”
The presentation of colors was presented by the Pine Bluff High School JROTC. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Madilyn Curry from Friendship Aspire Academy, and the national anthem was sung by Jalese Allen with Watson Chapel High School Choir. The invocation was delivered by Amelio Howard, pastor of Temple Grace Church and the director of information management at Pine Bluff Arsenal.
“It is my honor to introduce Col. Matthew C. Mason,” said Flowers. “The Arsenal plays a critical role in supporting America’s Joint Warfighter. Since his commissioning, Mason has built an exceptional career with various assignments spanning from Fort Bragg, N.C., to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and senior leadership roles in Korea and at Army Futures Command in Texas. He is an accomplished scholar and has many awards and decorations. Please join me in welcoming a proven leader, scholar, and warrior.”
Mason thanked the mayor for her introduction.
“I never liked being talked about, but I appreciate it. The bar has been set high,” he said. “I don’t know if I can top everything that has happened so far this morning. It is a distinct honor being here today, and I want to extend my gratitude to Mayor Flowers and the City of Pine Bluff for this gracious invitation on this solemn and meaningful occasion.”
“We gather in unity today on Patriot Day – our National Day of Remembrance,” Mason said. “This day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and unwavering spirit that binds us together as a nation,” he said.
“We not only remember and honor the ones who perished on that fateful day 24-years ago but also remember the first responders who rushed towards danger and those that continue to carry the weight of that loss. We pay solemn tribute to all who have given since that time – both military and Civilian.”
The Arsenal commander said our world has been forever changed.
“As we mark this anniversary, we reaffirm our character as a nation, our faith in one another and our legacy as a country strengthened by service and selflessness. Among the thousands of lives lost, we remember one of Pine Bluff’s own – Operations Specialist Second Class Nehamon Lyons IV, United States Navy. He was among the 184 souls who died at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He was just 30 years old,” said Mason. “His loss was deeply felt here in Pine Bluff and serves as a stark reminder this community was touched by this national tragedy. He stands with the brave men and women - Civilians, first responders and service members - who gave their lives that day, and in the years to follow. Today, we honor Nehamon and all those who answered the call – in uniform and in quiet acts of heroism.”
In the wake of 9-11, a new generation answered the call to serve, said Mason.
“A generation of volunteers dedicated to protecting the freedoms so brutally attacked,” he said. “I remember the time vividly; I was a senior in college and just weeks from graduation and commissioning as a second lieutenant. The attacks fundamentally altered my perspective and ultimately the course of my life.”
He said witnessing the unity of the Nation in the days and weeks following the attacks, inspired him to dedicate his career to serving.
“It was a defining moment solidifying my commitment to a life of service,” said Mason. “On the evening of 9-11, a candlelight vigil was organized outside the Arsenal’s gates. Families, city officials, Veterans and school-age children gathered holding candles like beacons of hope. Volunteers brought food, hand-written notes, and drawings of encouragement for the Arsenal staff. Flags were gently waved reminding us patriotism is not just a word – it’s an action. It is a promise to stand by one another in times of crisis.”
Through it all, there is one constant – the Army and the Nation – are about its people, said the Arsenal commander.
“We stand behind our Soldiers and their Families, beside our Wounded Warriors as they heal and beside the Families who grieve the loss of those who served this Nation. We have faced profound challenges since 9-11 and will face more in years to come. Today, we honor those we have lost but their spirit lives on in us,” he said.
“Today, let us reaffirm our confidence in the values that define us as Americans. We must never lose sight of the liberties that make us a beacon of hope, the diversity that strengthens us and the unity and commitment to one another. We remember, we honor and endure.”