CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Sept. 15, 2014) -- Camp Zama's Soldiers, Civilians, family members, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members and local national employees participated in the 1st annual "True Red, White and Blue" 5K run/walk, held on the morning of Sept. 11, here, to commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attack events.
The U.S. Army Garrison Japan hosted its annual 9/11 commemorative ceremony at the Camp Zama Community Activity Center, later in the evening.
USAG-J Commander, Joy Curriera, said the purpose of the event was to reflect on the lives lost on that tragic day.
"We will always remember, and keep those lost in our hearts," said Curriera.
During the ceremony, Soldiers read aircraft narratives that recounted the fates of the four high-jacked aircrafts.
After a wreath presentation by a local Veterans of Foreign Wars and several musical selections by the U.S. Army Japan band, guest speaker Col. Stephen J. Grabski, assigned to U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward) G3, gave a speech on resiliency.
Grabski said the U.S. Army is an army shaped by historic events, and together Soldiers and family members are united in their shared sacrifices.
"Together, we have become more resilient," said Grabski.
It has been 13 years since the terrorist attacked the United States. The theme for this year's ceremony was called "Generation 9/11."
"I think you would call us the generation of 9/11," said Curriera. "I don't think this generation will ever end, as long as we have a conflict, somewhere tied to the global war on terrorism."
It's extremely important on the next Sept. 11 and any Sept. 11 thereafter, said Curriera, to take some time and reflect.
"We move forward by strengthening as a nation… working together to forge a positive, and hopefully a peaceful way ahead."
The ceremony was concluded with a moment of silence to pay tribute to the victims and service members who lost their lives in the global war on terrorism.
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