MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Members of Malmstrom Air Force Base joined together Sept. 11 at the base chapel to remember and pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Master Sgt. Iain Morrison, 819th RED HORSE Squadron, opened the ceremony with a rendition of “America the Beautiful” played on bagpipes. A 9/11 video tribute and the singing of the national anthem by Airman First Class Matthew Shapiro from the 341st Munitions Squadron followed.
“This ceremony was created to remember those who lost their lives when America was tragically attacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001,” said Tech. Sgt. Dustin Haldane, 341st Security Forces Squadron and master of ceremonies. “We also honor our Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who continue to sacrifice their lives while fighting the international war on terrorism.”
After an invocation and shared words of hope, Chaplains (Maj.) Joseph Fisher and (Capt.) Charles Kim placed a wreath of flowers on an easel as a tribute to those affected by the attacks 16 years ago.
“The gift of flowers at a memorial site is a ritual that occurs around the world, understood in every culture,” said Chief Master Sgt. Amber Mitchell, 341st Missile Wing command chef. “The floral tributes at funerals bespeak both the beauty and brevity of life and evoke memories of other days.”
During the ceremony a moment of silence and reflection was observed to signify the exact time, 8:46 a.m., the first plane struck the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York.
The ceremony also honored first responders, law enforcement officers and firefighters.
“On the day that now lingers in our memoires and has forever changed our lives as we know them, nearly 3,000 people including 343 firefighters, 72 law enforcement officers and 33 flight crew members lost their lives,” said Mitchell. “Since that fateful day many more Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines have given their lives for their nation in this conflict.”
As the room fell silent a dispatcher from the base defense operations center performed an unanswered radio check followed by a last call – “break, BDOC to all post and patrols, 72 law enforcement officers end of watch, 11 September 2001. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice to this great nation.”
The observance closed with a ceremonial bell ringing, signifying a firefighter’s last alarm, a tradition in fire service which reflects the respect and honor given to those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
“We’re grateful for those who make their way toward the cries for help, those unsung heroes who without hesitation run toward the chaos,” said Fisher. “Especially on this day of remembrance we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to aid and assist others. May we never forget their legacies of valor.”