NASL To Hold 9/11 Remembrance Service | Community Spirit

By Tammy Eskew

Golden Eagle Staff Writer

September 11, 2001 is a day that changed America and the world. Eleven years has passed since the 9/11 attacks on the nation, but America has not forgotten. Naval Air Station Lemoore Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Selectees Team 119 will present a memorial ceremony commemorating the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at NASL mainside Chapel on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 8 a.m.

“September 11, 2001 changed our lives. The way we conduct business and carry ourselves changed that day,” explained NCC (Sel) (AW/SW) Bobbie Gunderson attached to NASL CSFWP. “It is important to remember that day so we can be prepared for the future and ensure the next generation is aware of our history and the personal sacrifices of our ancestors.”

The NASL Color Guard will present colors. A rifle team consisting of the CPO Selectees will render a traditional gun salute and “Taps” will be presented by a bugler. Guest speaker for the event is Capt. Eric Venema, commanding officer of NASL.

“The purpose of the remembrance ceremony is to honor our fallen American citizens who lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks,” said ACC (Sel) (AW/SW) Jeffrey Lutes attached to NASL Air Operations.

The attacks were a series of four coordinated suicide attacks by al-Qaeda on the United States on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. On that morning, in one violent, unsuspecting moment, four passenger jets were hijacked. Two planes were intentionally crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, a third plane was crashed into the Pentagon and the fourth plane was targeted for Washington D.C., but crashed in a field near Shanksville, Penn. after passengers tried to take control of the plane.

Nearly 3,000 victims died in the attacks. While horrific images of people jumping to their deaths, hijacked planes hitting the buildings, the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground, black smoke billowing from the Pentagon and the wreckage of Flight 93 flashed across our television screens, the worst images are those that were not seen, but felt from those left behind.

An empty seat at the dinner table, children forced to grow-up without their dad or mom and parents who had to endure the death of a child. The death of a loved one is never easy, but is especially difficult when the loss is senseless.

While hatred had brought about this horrific devastation, it was love and unity that strengthened America. In their time of grief, the American people came together as a united front to combat terrorism and protect our nation.

Over the last ten years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of the U.S. military and counterterrorism professionals, homeland defense has been strengthened and many terrorist attacks have been stopped. Join NASL to remember and honor those lost and left behind in a special Remembrance Service Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 8 a.m. at the base Chapel.