ARCENT honors those who ‘hold the line’ on 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) & Third Army held here today a September 11th remembrance ceremony.
The ceremony brought together service members and civilians assigned to ARCENT to honor all those whose lives were lost 25 years ago during the al-Qaeda terrorist attack on New York City, Stoneycreek Township, Pa., and the Pentagon.
Lt. Gen. Kevin Leahy, the ARCENT commanding general, served as the keynote speaker during the ceremony, reflecting on the impact of the attacks.
“Twenty-five years ago, our nation changed forever,” said Leahy. “Those of us old enough can remember exactly where we were on the morning of September 11th, 2001.”
As this year marks the 25th anniversary in which al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked commercial airliners in coordinated attacks against the United States, the anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the enduring resolve of the American people.
“To the veterans in our ranks, both still in and out of uniform, who answered the call in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, thank you for holding the line.” said Leahy.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to remember the victims of September 11th, honor the sacrifices made in its aftermath, and to uphold American resilience and unity that carried the country through difficult days.
“I am reassured that this team, and these Soldiers, will continue to hold the line and uphold the legacy of those who responded to the 9/11 attacks; we will never forget,” Leahy said. Leahy concluded by charging those in the audience to, “Continue [protecting] our country and families from evil forces of the world that seek to do America harm.”