CAMP ZAMA, Japan (Sept.12, 2016) - Camp Zama held a ceremony Sept. 9 at the Yano Fitness Center to honor those lives lost in the 9/11 attacks 15 years ago.
The ceremony began with an invocation and the national anthems of Japan and the United States.
"Today is the day that we reflect on those lost on that terrible day- over 2600 in the World Trade Center, 246 in the four airliners, and 125 of those in the Pentagon," said Maj. Gen. James F. Pasquarette, commanding general of the U.S. Army Japan.
"Our world was changed overnight on 9/11," said Pasquarette, "the nation has looked on (the military) to do more than (they) were doing before 9/11."
"It is important for military communities to reflect on that day, he continued, on not just what happen that day, but all sacrifices since then because I believe they're connected," said Pasquarette.
"It's important to reflect on the loss of life that affected so many.
"There is a straight line between what happened on 9/11 and our subsequent military commitments around the world."
After Pasquarette's remarks, in an age-old tradition of the fire services that dates back more than 150 years, a bell was rung by a fireman three times in memory of those who died in the line of duty.
This was followed by the reading of the Fireman's Prayer.
The ceremonial bell was rung three additional times, once by a soldier, once by a military spouse and once by a military child. Each ringing was accompanied with a poem.
Col. William Johnson and Command Sgt. Maj. Rosalba Dumont-Carrion, commander and command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison Japan, respectively, posted a wreath presented by Veterans of Foreign War Post 9612 representatives, in dedication and remembrance of the fallen from 9/11 and since during the Global War on Terrorism Operation.
After Johnson's and Dumont-Carrion's salute to the wreath, the sound of bag pipes playing Amazing Grace filled the gym.
A 21-gun salute and taps concluded the ceremony.
Pfc. James Bass, K-9 military police officer assigned to the 901st Military Police Detachment, said that "today" means everything to him.
"When 9/11 happened, I was only a child," said Bass.
Because of the actions of the emergency responders, Bass said he was inspired to follow in their footsteps.
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