NATICK, Mass. (Sept. 11, 2015) -- Fourteen years to the minute after the tragic attacks of 9/11, Natick Soldier Systems Center remembered the civilians and Soldiers lost during and since that day.
At 8:46 a.m., the time when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City on that clear, crisp Tuesday morning in September 2001, NSSC observed a moment of silence before a bell tolled 11 times. Then a wreath was laid in memory of the victims.
"The weeks and months that followed 9/11 were filled with immense sadness, grief, and no small amount of anger," said Brig. Gen. William E. Cole, NSSC senior commander. "But, as American people, we also began to see a growing sense of resolve amongst us. We stand united as a nation and are committed to eliminating terrorism and those who plot the murders of innocent people throughout the world."
Nearly 3,000 civilians died in that day's terrorist attacks, and more than 6,000 service men and women have given their lives in the continuing war against terrorism.
Cole recalled that one of the civilians who died heroically was Army veteran Rick Rescorla, director of security for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter in the south tower when United Airlines Flight 175 abruptly ended there.
"Rick was a decorated hero of the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley in Vietnam," Cole said. "He was known in Vietnam not only for his fearlessness, but also his odd habit of singing to his troops in the height of battle to keep them calm."
Cole noted that Rescorla's actions that day saved most of Morgan Stanley's employees.
"Unfortunately, Rick was not one of the survivors," Cole said. "Once he was sure that the Morgan Stanley employees were safe, Rick ran back into the building … even though it was burning, to help evacuate more employees from other firms. He was last seen on the 10th floor staircase, moving upwards and singing to the evacuees."
As Cole pointed out, the spirit that Rescorla exhibited that day continues to live on in other Americans.
"Fourteen years after small and hateful minds conspired to break us, America stands tall and America stands proud," Cole said. "Guided by the values that sustain us, we will only grow stronger."
Cole asked the Natick workforce not to forget Rick Rescorla and others like him.
"As you go about the important work that you do here in this special day of remembrance," said Cole, "please take a few moments along the way to think about the victims of 9/11, their families, our service members and first responders, who remain in harm's way."
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