Lajes Airmen honor first responders, victims of 9/11

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  Airmen of the 65th Air Base Wing honored the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks through a ceremony and wing formation run in boots and utility uniforms on the 12th anniversary of one of the nation's darkest days.

A ceremonial bell ringing honored the lives of the 418 first responders who died placing service before self as they rushed into chaos, smoke and fire to save lives, risking their own.

"They climbed a hundred stories to save lives; they never made it home that night," said Chief Master Sgt. Alan Boling, 65th ABW command chief. "Since then, our first responders around the United States have honored their memory with marches, runs and climbs in full gear to remember those who died and to also remember what it means to wear and perform the duties of their position as first responders." 

Because of the events on Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. military was tasked to bring the fight to the nation's enemy. Brave men and women of the U.S. and allied nations answered the call to serve willingly.

"We've protected our family by standing in the gap between good and evil - 6,668 American men and women have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan doing that mission," Boling said. "Every single one of them woke up one morning, strapped on their boots, donned their battle uniform for the last time and gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country."

Boling explained the purpose of Team Lajes' gathering was "to remember not only our first responders, but our own sacrifices as military men and women in the protection of our country."

Col. Chris Bargery, 65th ABW commander, thanked Lajes' Airmen for serving their country, highlighting those who joined after Sept. 11, 2001.

"Thank you to all of you who joined the U.S. military after 9/11 because you knew you were going to war," he said. "We've been in a state of conflict ever since, and we've made great headway. Thank you to our first responders who stand in the gap every day, every night, here on the base, across the Air Force and across the globe. Thank you for who you are and what you do."

During the ceremony, Team Lajes responders read the Firefighter's, Police Officer's and Emergency Medical Service's Prayer, then all took a moment of silence to reflect on the lives lost.

Three first responders wore their full gear in leading the wing's formation run - Staff Sgt. Andrew Kose, 65th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, Senior Airman Zachery Vaught, 65th Security Forces Squadron flight chief, and Senior Airman Hannah Meza, 65th Medical Operations Squadron emergency medical technician.

As the wing ran its 5K in "boots and utes," all were re-educated by a loud speaker of the timeline in events which took place Sept. 11, 2001. Nearly 3,000 innocent people in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, including civilians from 91 nations were killed.