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NEWS | Sept. 10, 2021

JBA community remembers lives lost on 9/11, 20 years later

By 2nd Lt. Jymil Licorish 316th Wing Public Affairs

Military and community members gathered for a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Hangars 6 and 7 here, today.

 

Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist hijackings of four commercial airplanes that resulted in the deaths of almost 3,000 people at the Pentagon, New York City’s World Trade Center, and in a Shanksville, Pa field. Although many innocent lives were lost and many survivors still carry the burden of trauma caused by the terrorist acts, the heroic actions of first responders and service members will remain revered by generations to come. These attacks were the deadliest on U.S. soil since the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941.

 

“By reflecting on the event, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our sake,” said Col. Tyler R. Schaff, 316th Wing and JBA commander. “The obligation of appreciation that we owe these people can never be forgotten.”

 

The ceremony united 100 service members, base personnel and first responders in memorializing the tragic day. It included an invocation, a moment of silence, and remarks of reflection by Schaff, guest speakers Lt. Gen. Marc Henrys Sasseville, vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, and retired Air Force Col. Chuck Ennis.

 

Following the remarks of the guest speakers, the mission of each National Capital Region aircraft on 9/11 was narrated by Airman 1st Class Owen Worth, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, while aviators performed a fly-over of each.

  

Taps was played with a bugle call to pay respect to the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, concluding the Sept. 10 ceremony.

 

“I remember praying for every person’s well-being once I witnessed the tragedy,” said Ms. Barbara Holt Streeter, 316th Operations Support Squadron honorary commander, partnerships officer, Prince George’s County Public Schools. “I had tears in my eyes during the playing of taps as I reflected on how my faith came to reality as our military strived to serve and protect our nation.

 

Taps PSA:

 

Please note that at four times during the morning of September 11, 2021, Taps will sound throughout Joint Base Andrews. These times are at 0846, 0903, 0937, and 1003, marking the exact times of the four 9/11 attacks. Please take those brief moments to reflect in honor of our fallen comrades.

 

NOTE: According to AFI 34-1201, Taps began as a signal to extinguish lights (lights out) at the end of the day. Many Air Force installations play Taps to signify lights out or to begin quiet hours.

Taps is played nightly Monday through Friday, respectively at 9 p.m. and on certain occasions such as the anniversary of 9/11. If civilian or military members are outdoors during the playing of taps, the proper protocol is to stop your vehicle or your person, remove any headgear, and face the direction of the music.

 

It is customary for those not in uniform to stand, remove headgear and place their right hand over their heart, upon hearing Taps played at a military ceremony (funeral/memorial). Proper protocol dictates that those in uniform will stand at attention and salute.