Remembering fallen of 9/11: Fort Rucker honors those lost in attacks

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterSeptember 17, 2015

Remembering fallen of 9/11: Fort Rucker honors those lost in attacks
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Remembering fallen of 9/11: Fort Rucker honors those lost in attacks
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Mark Shehee, Fort Rucker firefighter, walks through a crowd of students to let them know that there is nothing to fear when approached by a firefighter in full firefighting gear during the First Responders Assembly at the Fort Rucker Primary School S... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (September 17, 2015) -- As millions across the country remember that fateful day 14 years ago, Fort Rucker honored those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with memorial ceremonies across the installation.

The Directorate of Public Safety hosted its 9/11 memorial service at the Fort Rucker Fire Station, and people ranging from garrison leadership to military family members came out to remember those who lost their lives.

"We gather today to remember this horrific event, and to mourn our brothers and sisters," said Chief Jay Evett, Fort Rucker fire chief, during the ceremony. "It's been 14 years since that tragic event in 2001, yet as a nation we are still healing, still rebuilding and still mourning.

"As a result of the attacks, 411 emergency service responders were killed that day, and our military member deaths continue to grow as they continue to combat terrorism around the globe," he continued. "I ask that you please keep all emergency service responders and military members in your thoughts and prayers as they work to keep our fellow Americans safe from harm."

"As I reflect on the remarks here today, I focus on one word -- guardian," said Lt. Col. Florentino Santana, provost marshal and director of public safety. "That's what first responders are and that's what they do. First responders in our communities, neighborhoods and cities run toward the danger when it is present while others run away from it.

"Sept. 11, 2001, was a wakeup call to all Americans and to the realities of a dangerous world," he continued. "First responders across the country have always understood the risk of serving our community. They continue to run into dangerous situations every day, and as we are reminded of the events that precipitated a campaign against terror, we must keep in mind that we must continue to be vigilant. Let's not forgot those brothers and sisters whose watch ended prematurely."

During the service, the time-honored firefighter tradition of the sounding of a bell was observed in honor of those lost in the attacks.

In the past, when firefighters began their tour of duty, the sounding of the bell signified the beginning of their shift, according to the narrator of the event. Throughout the day and night, each call to duty was sounded by a bell, and when fires were out and the alarm had come to an end, it was the sound of the bell that signaled the completion of a call. When a firefighter falls in the line of duty, the toll of the bell announces the comrade's passing.

"We utilize these traditions as symbols, which reflect honor and respect of those who have given so much and who have served so well," said the narrator. "To symbolize the devotion that these brave souls have to their duty, a special signal of three rings, three times each represents each end of our comrade's duty."

At the Headquarters Chapel, the 9/11 Day of Remembrance service was held to remember the fallen, and provide a hopeful outlook with the theme, "Triumph from Tragedy," through multiple scripture readings and the singing of hymns.

"For many of us, today is something that has marked our careers for the last 14 years with us being in conflict, but as we gather on this day and remember on this day, all of us are affected by it," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Timothy Bedsole, deputy garrison chaplain. "We need to take time to reflect on what guides us and drives us, and a day like today is something we need to reflect on.

"On this day, we gather to remember. We remember the tragedy, but I want us to focus on the triumph of the things that have come from it. Let's not forget this day and those who were lost that day," he continued. "Let us remember the hope that our nation is founded on that gives us strength of turning tragedy into triumph."

Across the installation at the Fort Rucker Primary School, students were observing their own remembrance by learning about first responders and the importance of their role in the community with the First Responders Assembly. Students got the chance to meet with firefighters, police officers and military police, including a military working dog.

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