D-M remembers 9/11

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Saphfire D. Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The events of Sept. 11, 2001 made a huge impact on the United States and will never be forgotten. D-M held a 9/11 remembrance ceremony, in honor of the lives lost and affected by the tragedy, at the 79th Rescue Squadron here Sept. 9.

The ceremony featured witnesses who were near or in the buildings that were subject to attack on Sept. 11.

Airman 1st Class Charles Robertson, 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance apprentice, was a freshman at Brooklyn Technical High School in New York and, from his classroom window, could see the smoke looming from the first tower struck.

"I decided to join the military so that I could help make this tragedy a part of our past and not our future," Airman Robertson said. "And it is a burden I am honored to bear."

Col. David Uselman, 355th Mission Support Group commander, and his wife Stacie were working on opposite sides of the Pentagon when it was attacked.

"We always do a good job of rebuilding and taking care of business, but we should never forget what happened that day," Colonel Uselman said.

In remembrance of the lives lost, a fire bell was struck at the exact time each attack occurred on Sept. 11.

The final tribute was a ceremonial ringing of the fire bell, called "Striking the Four Fives", to honor fallen comrades. The four sets of five rings honored the more than 2,000 lives lost to the 9/11 attacks, including civilian, military, firefighter and policemen. It also honored the more than 6,000 servicemembers lost as a result of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

"As you reflect on this day, I'd ask you to mourn the almost 3,000 civilians, first responders and soldiers that perished on 9/11. Honor the over 6,000 soldiers, sailors, Airmen and marines that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. But also renew you dedication to the goal of defeating terrorism and the threat that it brings. Cement your resolve to your enlistment, your term, and your job and continue to give the utmost effort in this fight."