FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) ruck-march and participate in commemorative events honoring the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, in New York City, Sept. 10-11.
Sept. 11, 2001, marked one of the darkest days in United States history, when terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes as part of an al-Qaida attack against the U.S. Two planes struck the World Trade Center towers in New York City, another crashed into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks, including service members, first responders and civilians.
Last week marked the 25th anniversary of the attacks, as people around the world gathered at Ground Zero to honor those who lost their lives and remember the lasting impact of Sept. 11 on the nation.
“I had not been to NYC or Ground Zero since three weeks after the Towers fell 25 years ago, so I was honored to attend the event,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ian Nickerson, assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). “I was in awe the entire day at how many amazing people are still drawn to the city by the gravity of that day to pay their respects and remember.”
The events of 9/11 changed the nation and reshaped the U.S. military. For Special Forces, the attacks marked the beginning of a new era in the fight against the Global War on Terrorism. For many Soldiers, the events of that day also became a reason to serve, inspiring them to join the military and dedicate themselves to protecting the country.
“A lot of the new guys joined after the GWOT. They know the history on paper, but they don’t feel it yet,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jesse Spencer, assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). “NYC on 9/11 puts them on the ground where it started. It wasn’t just an attack. It was the moment this generation of Green Berets was forged. Men who weren’t even in high school that day now wear the beret because of it.”
In honor of those who lost their lives in 9/11, Soldiers from the 10th SFG (A) participated in a 15-mile ruck march through Manhattan during the 25th anniversary commemoration. Before beginning the march, the Soldiers visited the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to reflect on the lives lost and remember the reason and people behind their 15-mile journey.
“The 15-mile march with an amazing group of American patriots committed to honoring the lives lost that day and the conflicts since is an experience that will live in my bones until death,” said Nickerson.
Beginning at midnight on Sept. 11, the Soldiers started at Ground Zero and made stops at Ten House, Fire Department of the City of New York Engine 54/Ladder 4/Battalion 9, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, FDNY Engine 1/Ladder 24 and FDNY Engine 33/Ladder 9 before returning to Ground Zero.
“During the ruck, people shared where they were when they first learned of 9/11. I remembered being in elementary school and having just said the Pledge of Allegiance, with little to no transition into the news of the attack,” said Staff Sgt. Denasia Brooks, public affairs noncommissioned officer in charge, assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). “As I rucked, I remember thinking, ‘This happened during my generation.’ I’ve packed my patriotism with me ever since.”
At each stop, Soldiers, retired Green Berets and civilians participating in the ruck march paused to listen as the names of the first responders who died on 9/11 were read aloud, honoring the lives lost and remembering the sacrifices made in the aftermath of the attacks.
“It was deeply meaningful to ruck across Manhattan on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. With each mile, I was reminded of the Americans who were in those towers, and the FDNY and NYPD members who ran into the breach to save them, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice,” said a company commander assigned to 4th Battalion, 10th SFG (A). “I finished the ruck with a renewed sense of purpose, humility and gratitude for the opportunity to serve this great Nation.”
New York City held several commemorative events on Sept. 11 at FDNY firehouses, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Ground Zero, where people gathered to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. First responders and military members came together to honor the victims and remind the nation and the world that we must never forget what happened that day or the sacrifices made by those who put their lives on the line to protect and help others.
10th SFG (A) decided to bring new Green Berets to the commemorative ruck march and related events as a reminder of why they wear the beret, what distinguishes them from others, and to give them a deeper understanding of the legacy they carry.
“When a young Green Beret hears a guy who lost a teammate talk about who those men actually were — not how they died, but how they lived — he starts to understand the standard he’s expected to carry. He’s not fighting for an idea. He’s fighting so the next generation never has to ask why we showed up,” said Spencer. “That’s why we bring them. If future Soldiers only know the casualty numbers, we’ve already failed them. If they know the names, the families and the good times those men had before they gave everything, then the legacy stays alive.”
Sept. 11 ended with the Tribute in Light shining over New York City. The two blue beams of light represented the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, serving as a symbol of remembrance for the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and a reminder that their memory will never be forgotten.