USAG DAEGU, South Korea -- The United States Army Garrison Daegu Chapel invited Area IV community members to a 9/11 Remembrance Luncheon, Sept. 8 at the Camp Walker Evergreen Club in honor of the victims, survivors, police officers and firefighters of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

Michael Diehl, USAG Daegu fire chief gave opening remarks saying, "We gathered here to remember the civilians, first responders and military members who lost their lives at the event that day. Sixteen years later, that death toll continues to rise to over 3,000 victims, not including the over 400 first responders and the 1,400 more who have died since from work at ground zero, and nearly 6,000 U.S. Soldiers and coalition who were affected. We can also remember and embrace and encourage those civilians, first responders and military personnel that dedicated their lives for our safety as we continue to move forward."

Col. Robert P. Mann Jr., USAG Daegu commander presented as a keynote speaker.

"Today we respectfully reflect on the impact of that day," said Mann. "We honor the contributions and sacrifice of our military members, our first responders, and the countless others who have contributed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring our nation never again feels the pain that we all felt on that day 16 years ago"

"We honor the sacrifice of those who lost their lives on that September morning and those who gave their lives in the years since," remarked Mann. "Out of this tragedy, people came together to help those who were injured and suffering, volunteering their time to comfort and rebuild, giving back to their community. This is our strength, our unbreakable community bonds, helping those in need, doing the right thing and making a difference each and every day. These are the heroes that took a moment to untangle the knots in the lives of others. To those who sacrificed, the volunteers and the families, we salute you and you will never be forgotten."

Maj. Denise A. Hagler, USAG Daegu chaplain expressed her gratitude to those who participated in the 9/11 Remembrance Luncheon.

"I want to say thank you to all the participants that were involved in the program," said Hagler. "Thank you so much for being a part of my first time working together with Chaplain Hampton and our community. We wanted to express our love through giving this 9/11 Remembrance Luncheon."

On September 11, 2001, 19 Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks in the United States. Two of the airplanes attacked the World Trade Center towers in New York City and a third hit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The fourth plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field, killing all passengers and crews aboard. More than 3,000 people perished in all.

It has been 16 years since the 9/11 terror attacks, but the world has changed since 9/11. Radical nationalists still engage in terrorism in organizations such as ISIS in countries across the globe.

This event is held to remember victims, firefighters and police officers who died while working rescue and to support and comfort people who lost their family or friends. This event serves to preserve the memory of this awful day and prepares us mentally and spiritually for the possibility of future terrorist attacks.