The first-ever 9/11 Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Directorate of Emergency Services remembrance was held outside the Fort Myer Fire Station Sept. 11, and like many ceremonies around the United States, the bell tolls and a moment of silence honored those who perished in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, Shanksville, Pa. and at the Pentagon.
During the nine o'clock hour -- at 9:37 a.m. -- on Sept. 11, 2001, a hijacked Flight 77 slammed into the west side of the Pentagon killing 184 people.
Those 184 and the thousands killed, including firefighters who gave their lives at New York City's World Trade Center, were remembered by JBM-HH Fire Department Chief Russell Miller.
"We're here to make sure we never forget them," Miller said during his remarks.
Miller recapped the events of Sept. 11, 2001 and honorably mentioned the Fort Myer Fire Department firefighters on duty that morning at the Pentagon and the base first responders who came to the aid of those trapped in the mangled Pentagon.
"Three Fort Myer firefighters were on site at the time Flight 77 flew into the Pentagon," Miller said. "Those firefighters were Firefighter (Alan) Wallace, Firefighter (Mark) Skipper and Firefighter (Dennis) Young. First responders from Fort Myer were the first to arrive on the scene. Some of our personnel who responded 16 years ago are still with us today. They include Assistant Chief (Jonathan) Culberson, Capt. (Roger) Rearden, Capt. (James) Angerett, Capt. (John) Pine and Firefighter (Cory) Drake."
Department of Defense Fire and Emergency Services Fire Inspector James Dansereau had the honor of administering the solemn bell tolls.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in New York City, Arlington, Va., and Pennsylvania during the airplane hijackings and terrorist attacks.
The Pentagon held its own 9/11 remembrance ceremonies with a sunrise American flag unfurling and at the 9/11 Memorial where President Donald Trump addressed family members of the deceased and Department of Defense staff members.
Pentagram Staff Writer Jim Dresbach can be reached at jdresbach@dcmilitary.com.
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