Team Seymour remembers 9/11

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Gino Reyes
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Members of the Seymour Johnson community came together here Sept. 11, 2012, to reflect on the events of 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives.

"We wanted the Seymour Johnson community to have a venue to remember and reflect on the 9/11 event," said Sean Quinby, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief.

The hour-long ceremony included a color guard consisting of firemen and defenders, a slide show documenting the terrorist attacks, four guest speakers and a 21-gun salute by 4th Fighter Wing Base Honor Guard Airmen.

"Everyone has their own story about where they were and how they were affected by the event," Quinby said. "Being able to come together and pay tribute is very important."

Airmen began the ceremony with a 24-hour memorial run carrying a 9/11 Remembrance Flag to pay tribute. Some Airmen wore ruck sacks, gas masks and firefighting ensembles to show their respect.

"I felt honored to pay tribute to the (fallen)," said Senior Airman David Fort, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, who ran his portion wearing a gas mask and ruck sack. "We are a big family of firefighters: whether you're civilian or military we all have that commitment to saving lives."

Since the events of 9/11, 6,570 servicemembers have lost their lives supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.