FORT BENNING, Ga., - "We are here this morning to honor the fallen and remember their sacrifice. We also should consider with gratitude the way that God has used the events of 9/11 to solidify our nation, showcasing the overwhelming power of direct love and hope toward those who have suffered from this tragedy," were the opening remarks spoken the by 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Chaplain Maj. Loren Hutsell, during the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at Kelley Hill Memorial, Fort Benning, Georgia, Sept. 11, 2014.
Nearly 60 Soldiers gathered at the Kelley Hill Memorial to remember not only the victims of 9/11, but also honor the brave warriors who gave their lives defending our country and bringing those responsible to justice during a wreath laying ceremony.
Hutsell said, "thirteen years ago on this day, around this time; 8: 46 a.m., the first plane hit the World Trade Center. That day began a new era in our country's history. This age is not defined by the terrible events of that day, but by the honorable and heroic response that America mustered in the aftermath."
"Our nation suffered terrorist attacks on an unprecedented scale," said Sgt. 1st Class Shakir Gilliam, the narrator for the ceremony. "Instead of being frightened into chaos and retreat, the United States responded by overthrowing the Taliban regime in Afghanistan."
The United States overthrew Saddam Hussein and liberated Iraq, Gilliam added.
He said the numbers are staggering, even more so when we remember that every person lost represents a story, a family, and a community bereaved. Their loss has conveyed an immeasurable impact on those they left behind.
The ceremony included a modified roll call of Americans who have died as a result, direct or indirect, of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack; on the four planes used in the attacks: 246 Americans were killed; in the World Trade Center: 2,606 Americans were killed; in the Pentagon: 125 Americans were killed: in the ensuing Global War on Terror in Iraq: 4,474 Americans have been killed: in Afghanistan; 1747 Americans have been killed: in total 9,198 Americans have been killed.
Following the modified roll call of the fallen; Hutsell encouraged a moment of silent prayer and meditation. The 3rd ABCT, 3rd ID Brigade Executive Officer Maj. Joseph Ruzicka and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Green laid the wreath for those lost.
The ceremony ended with a benediction given by Chaplain Hutsell and the brigade commander and the command sergeant major thanking the Soldiers for their attendance.
Do you remember what you were doing Sept. 11, 2001? After the ceremony concluded we asked a few Soldiers what they were doing when tragedy struck. Here is what they had to say:
Spc. David Lalumondiere, a supply specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd ABCT said he was about seven or eight years old and he was playing at a park. His mom runs outside and says 'we are under attack and planes have crashed into a building. We might get invaded.' He came inside the house and start watching television."
Spc. DeAndre Lewis, a supply specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd ABCT, says he recalls turning on the television while getting ready for work. I looked up, when I heard "breaking news" saying an airplane had just hit one of the twin towers. A few minutes later the news said, an airplane struck the other tower.
"I left to go to work. Once I got to work people were not working. They were trying to figure out what was going on," said Lewis.
He said he remembers that day as if it was yesterday.
Staff Sgt. Christina Lucas remembers that day so vividly, not just because she was woken up out of her sleep by the news on the TV during high school study hall. It was because her brother was in basic training when the airplanes had crashed into the Twin Towers.
"It really took everybody by surprise. My mom came and picked us up from school. We went home and my mom was trying to contact my brother to make sure he was alright. Finally, we got in touch with my brother later on that afternoon around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m.
"Yeah, that's what I was doing 13 years ago on this day," said Lucas, looking off into the distance.
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