Seymour Johnson comes together in 9/11 remembrance ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aaron J. Jenne
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Members of Team Seymour stood united for a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony here Sept. 11.

The event, hosted by the 4th Fighter Wing Honor Guard, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron and the 4th Security Forces Squadron, featured narrators recounting the sequence of events on 9/11, a firing party, and moments of silent reflection, paying homage to the lives lost on 9/11.

"Do you remember a world when September 11 was just another day?" asked Sean Quinby, 4th CES fire chief. "It's been 13 years since a perfect blue sky morning turned into the blackest night. What began as an ordinary day resulted in the loss of 2,977 citizens from over 90 countries. How do we remember the worst terrorist attack on American soil?"

A chaplain led the invocation for the ceremony and photos of destruction, sorrow and hope were displayed as the sound of bagpipes playing Amazing Grace filled the room.

The somber moments of the ceremony comingled with moments of hope and renewed strength as speakers illustrated the resilience of Americans in trying times.

"We, the American people, just like our forefathers, have chosen to remain resilient against those who try to terrorize us," said Col. Andrew Bernard, 4th FW vice commander. "We took a hit to the chin, but we squared our shoulders, and we're marching forward. Contrary to what al-Qaida was expecting, the attacks of 9/11 took all the greatness of you, the American people, and it made you better."

In conjunction with the ceremony, the base held a 24-hour 9/11 Remembrance Run.

Members of Team Seymour ran continuously with the 9/11 memorial flag for 24 hours. The run began at 9 a.m. when the fire department's youngest firefighter left the firehouse carrying the flag and ended when the oldest, Quinby, returned it 24 hours later. Participants ran a combined total of 1,397 miles.

Lt. Col. Anthony S. Bankes, 4th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander, contributed to the run, logging a total of 56 miles.

He said he feels a deep responsibility in some way to those killed and injured at the hands of the country's enemies, and his service has instilled in him a desire to honor those people.

"The 9/11 remembrance honors not only the people who fell victim to the attacks in New York and D.C, but also to the first responders and those who continue to suffer and die from the effects of that attack," Bankes said. "I believe that it's important to continue to provide a powerful reminder of the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil and the greatest single loss of rescue personnel in our history."

Bankes participated in last year's 9/11 memorial run as well, where he logged 50 miles.

During the remembrance ceremony, Quinby stressed the importance of exactly what the day represents.

"On this day of national service and remembrance, the true legacy of September 11 emerges; that our spirit is mightier, the bonds that unite us are thicker, and our resolve is firmer than the millions of tons of steel, concrete and limestone that make up the Pentagon and the Twin Towers," he said. "From terror, disbelief and confusion, we beget strength, determination and unity. And America, just as life, goes on."