CAMP ZAMA, Japan — "I can guarantee you that somewhere in the next 25 years for all of you young students out there, there will be a crucible moment in our culture and in our nation's history which will speak to you and call you forward to service as well."
With those words, Joseph A. Jackson, deputy commander of U.S. Army Japan, set the tone for Zama Middle High School’s Sept. 11 assembly inside the school gymnasium, commemorating 9/11 and 250 years of American freedom.
The event brought together students, faculty, and community members to honor two defining milestones: the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and a quarter-millennium of American service and sacrifice.
Jackson connected the enduring legacy of American resilience—from the founding of the nation in 1776 to the heroism of first responders on Sept. 11, 2001—as he looked ahead to the responsibility passing to the younger generation.
Reinforcing that call to service, Master Sgt. Chance Jackowski, provost sergeant for U.S. Army Garrison Japan and another guest speaker, challenged students to look past traditional definitions of military duty and recognize the impact of their everyday actions.
"To me, service is doing an act that helps someone without an expectation of a thank you," Jackowski said, emphasizing that quiet acts of integrity lay the groundwork for strong communities.
The assembly concluded with a challenge to the student body to honor past sacrifices not only through remembrance, but by choosing responsibility, standing up for one another, and continuing to protect those freedoms for the next 250 years.