Commander participates in 9/11 Never Forget Memorial Ride

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Members of Team Malmstrom were offered two ways to participate in 9/11 Remembrance ceremonies Saturday to mark the 9th anniversary of the attacks on America. The first event took place at the chapel and the second took place in our host city of Great Falls.

The chapel opened its doors at 8:15 a.m. for a time of quiet reflection. At 8:38 a.m., a slideshow was presented followed by some words of inspiration by Chaplain (Maj.) Richard Crozier. At 8:46 a.m., those attending observed a moment of silence followed by playing of "Amazing Grace."

Later in the day, more than 500 riders - including several active-duty, retirees and civilian employees from Malmstrom and the Montana Air National Guard - converged in the parking lot and areas around the Harley Davidson shop on 10th Avenue South to participate in the 9th Annual Freedom Ride.

"My husband and I love motorcycles, so what better way to demonstrate that, on 9/11, we need to remember those who died that day, and those who have died since fighting for our freedom," said Chief Master Sgt. Cari Kent, 341st Missile Wing command chief. "What a great way to pay tribute to them by participating with all these other patriotic Americans in a freedom ride."

The event took riders through a variety of neighborhoods in the city enroute to the final stop at Montana Veterans Memorial. Guest speakers included the Mayor of Great Falls; 341st Missile Wing and 120th Fighter Wing commanders; Great Falls Chief of Police and Great Falls Fire Department Chief.

Mayor Michael Winters read a proclamation officially declaring the day 9/11 "We Shall Never Forget" Remembrance Day.

He was followed by Col. Anthony Cotton, 341st Missile Wing commander, who shared with the audience his belief that everyone in the audience, including himself, remembers turning on the television in the early morning nine years ago and not believing their eyes at what was happening.

"It was a horrific day. It was a day where our enemies thought they were going to be able to beat us down," Colonel Cotton said. "To the contrary. Our United States of America is more powerful today as a nation and as a democracy than any other country in the world."

Col. Pete Hronek, 120th Fighter Wing commander, followed Colonel Cotton and thanked the first responders and members of the military for how they responded in difficult times.

"When they see danger, they go towards it, to fight for one thing - our freedom," Colonel Hronek said.

The chiefs of the police and fire departments paid tribute to their fellow fallen members before the ringing of the last alarm.

A moment of silence, and musical and military tributes followed before the close of the 2010 ceremony.