White Sands Missile Range Garrison Commander Col. Michael Lueckeman served as guest speaker at New Mexico State University’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Ceremony at Aggie Memorial Stadium, honoring the victims and first responders of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Lueckeman, a 2000 NMSU graduate, reflected on how the attacks occurred shortly after he left the university and reshaped the nation — including the campus and community that helped prepare him for military service. He told attendees that the lessons he learned at NMSU guided him throughout the 20-year Global War on Terror.
“The lessons I learned here, right here in Aggie Memorial Stadium, at this great institution, in this community, were the very lessons I would rely upon while leading our nation’s sons and daughters on fields of battle in foreign lands,” he said.
Lueckeman said the attacks failed to divide the nation and instead strengthened its resolve.
“On 9/11 the terrorists tried to destroy us as a nation. Instead, they galvanized us and we were relentless in hunting down those responsible for the attacks and holding them accountable.” said Lueckeman. “When our nation woke up on the mornings of 12 SEP, 13, 14, & 15 SEP, and in the ensuing weeks, months and years, our nation, our citizenry was steadfast and resolute in recovering, rebuilding, and preserving the ideals of this great country, and we were relentless … relentless … hunting down those responsible for the attacks and holding them accountable, without hesitation, and without end."
Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez, the city’s former fire chief, also spoke at the ceremony, recalling the emotions of watching the events unfold and the courage displayed by first responders.
Participants included NMSU ROTC cadets, NMSU police and fire personnel, City of Las Cruces police and firefighters, veterans and community members.
Lueckeman closed by addressing the ROTC cadets in attendance.
“You represent the strength of our force today and the promise of our force tomorrow,” he said. “As you climb this morning, remember the weight and responsibility of the uniform you wear or aspire to wear. Climb in honor of the heroes of 9/11 and the service members that have worn this uniform with pride and integrity before us. Be bold and shape the future.”
Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to climb the stadium stairs at their own pace in remembrance of the first responders who climbed the World Trade Center towers on 9/11.