FORT CARSON, Colo. — On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Fort Carson leaders ensured there was a way for everyone in the community to pay their respects by participating in various events throughout the weekend.
Soldiers with the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson paid tribute by completing a division run Sept. 10, 2021. Afterward, a wreath laying ceremony was held at Gate 1 with Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson; Command Sgt. Maj. Adam Nash, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson; as well as Don Addy, a Good Neighbor who was instrumental in obtaining a segment of the remnants of the World Trade Center and transporting it to Fort Carson to be included in a monument built in 2011.
“Twenty years is a long time. There are Soldiers serving in our Army who were born after 9/11,” Hodne said. “Those of you who were alive on 9/11 remember where you were, you remember what was going through your minds and you remember how the country rallied (together). … As we reflect and pay tribute, our job in the U.S. Army is to renew our dedication, build a culture that tomorrow’s Army is going to be better than today’s.”
North American Aerospace Defense Command hosted the area 9/11 ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base with two flyovers.
Additionally, Fort Carson marked the starting point for the Run for the Fallen event Sept. 10, which was held to honor and remember service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
“Every year is special because we honor all Colorado fallen military (members),” said Jennifer Earp, director, Colorado Run for the Fallen and the Colorado Chapter of Honor and Remember. “But I think the significance of this being the 20th anniversary — of the horrific attack on our country — is felt by all of us.”
The event took place Sept. 10 through Sunday beginning at the Mountain Post and ending at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, totaling 115 miles.
The run kicked off at 7 a.m. with an opening ceremony and included volunteers from Fort Carson, representatives from the community and Gold Star Families who joined the committee members and runners.
During the opening ceremony a personalized Honor and Remember flag was presented to John Michael Sullivan Jr., son of Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient Sgt. John Michael Sullivan, who was killed in action Dec. 30, 2006, while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. Sgt. John Michael Sullivan never met his son who was born Dec. 31, 2006.
John Michael Sullivan Jr. said he was very thankful to receive the flag, and said it was important to him that the organization remembered his father’s service and sacrifice.
“On the day (after) he died, (his son) was born,” said Paige Sturdivant, Sgt. John Michael Sullivan’s daughter. “So, we got a blessing out of it, but I still miss him every day.”
Gold Star Family members Debbie Rowland and William Rowland said this year’s event holds even more meaning.
“Not just because of what happened to us, but also what happened on 9/11, 20 years ago,” said Debbie Rowland. “With us leaving Afghanistan and all the events of this world, it is kind of nice to see everyone come together and honor the fallen.”
Col. Nate Springer, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Carson, said events such as this need to be held so people will always remember the sacrifice these warriors made and to celebrate their lives.
The group began with 10 core runners but had teams located at Peterson Space Force Base and the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as teams that joined portions of the run throughout the weekend as they made their way north to Denver.
“We run for the fallen so we remember (them),” said Brittany Dino, a core runner in the event. “We let the Gold Star Family members know that we are still honoring them.”
While running through Fort Carson, the group stopped at 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) headquarters to honor Sgt. Maj. James G. Sartor, 10th SFG(A), who died in Afghanistan in 2019.
During the journey, the runners stopped nearly every mile and read names of fallen heroes. Gold Star Families were either present to hear the reading of the names or were able to watch it live on social media.
“I want to send a message to the community, (service members), veterans and especially to the Gold Star communities that their heroes’ service and sacrifice aren’t forgotten,” she said.
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