FORT BUCHANAN, PR -- September 11, 2001 has forever been engraved in the memory of Americans as they watched in horror the vicious attacks on our Nation. US Army Garrison Fort Buchanan in partnership with approximately 1,500 Soldiers from the 1st Mission Support Command (1st MSC) 166th Regional Support Group (RSG) Brigade; Fort Buchanan’s Directorate of Emergency Services: Fire, Police and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Departments and with the participation of 100 Sailors from Navy Reserve Puerto Rico, US Marine Corps LS Co., Antilles High School Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC), ROTC Battalions, family members, garrison staff, tenants and the community joined in remembrance of 9/11 with the “Last Alarm” Ceremony and ruck march, September 11, 2022 at the Soldier Plaza on post.
Prior to the event, 400 photographs and names of 9/11 fallen Firefighters, Police, New York City Port Authority, EMS personnel and First Responders were given to participants to wear around their necks during the march. At the end of the event the placards were placed on a wooden cross built by FBFD firefighters.
The formations of troops and participants was followed by the playing of “La Borinqueña” and US National Anthem, and invocation given by Garrison Command Chaplain, Maj. David S. Keller. Subsequently followed by the “Last Alarm” Ceremony conducted by the Fort Buchanan Fire Department (FBFD), narrated by Assistant Fire Chief Héctor Rivera. FBFD Firefighter Emilio Torres rang the alarm with three rings each in tribute and remembrance of the victims of the tragic events of 9/11.
Some of the more than 1,500 Soldiers filled their rucksacks with canned food goods, which at the end of the march was collected by the Fort Buchanan Religious Support Office on behalf of the 166th RSG Brigade and delivered to the Puerto Rico Food Bank the following Monday, September 12, 2022. Approximately 2,500 lbs. of canned food were collected and donated.
“We acknowledge the participation of representatives of our armed forces and our first responders, members of our police and firefighting teams, as well as civilians who are here representing the countless valiant men and women who became instant heroes on that fateful day. Today we recall the tragic events of September 1, 2001 and pay a tribute of remembrance to the victims of the act of terrorism that changed the spirit of our nation forever,” said Assist. Fire Chief Héctor Rivera in his opening remarks.
“I have asked Command Sgt. Maj. Hendricks to stand next to me because it is important for the leadership to be together. The 50 stars stand for the 50 states of the union, and the 13 stripes stand for the original 13 states. As I was reflecting on our symbol of freedom and I noticed another special magnitude of our flag. The stars are aligned in 9 rows and 11 columns. 21 years ago, critical infrastructures within our nation were destroyed or severely damaged and 2,996 people died from terrorist attacks. US Secretary of State, General Colin Powell said during September 11, 2001, “You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy,” . . . We have prevailed and we are stronger! Thank you for your support and service,” said Fort Buchanan Garrison Commander Tomika M. Seaberry.
“Twenty-one years ago, on September 11, 2001, I was a Staff Sergeant, attending an Army school, and at this Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY) I was permitted to have my family with me and together we watch the events unfold…we wondered what the future would look like for our kids. As said by President Harry S. Truman, “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” That is what our first responders represented during 9/11. I want to thank the 166th RSG Brigade for adding a food drive to our event, and you were encouraged to pack 30 lbs. of canned food to donate to the community. Even if only half of you fill your rucksack with the food that’s thousands of pounds of food we will be donating to our community! To our heroes gone but not forgotten, let it be known they will always be with us in memory and spirit. To them and to each of you, you have earned your place among the greatest generations in the history of our Nation. We Are Fort Buchanan! God bless the families of those remembered, all of you, your families and God bless America,” said Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick W. Hendricks.
Fort Buchanan Firefighters carrying the US and Fort Buchanan 9/11 flags were immediately followed by the Col. Seaberry, Command Sgt. Maj. Hendricks; Deputy Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Brian Mandock and Deputy to the Garrison Commander Yvette L. Castro during the ruck march.
In acts of tribute, in addition to their rucksacks weighing between 20 and 30 lbs., service members carried litters, medical stretchers with 150 lb. mannequins, firefighting tools and varied sizes of hose packs some weighing 30 lbs. reenacting the sacrifices of first responders on September 11.
“Today is amazing. Look at all the folks that are here to commemorate the heroes of 9/11. I like working with Fort Buchanan Fire and EMS Departments,” said 166th RSG Brigade Commander, Col. Brian J. Slaughter.
“The Bell Ceremony is a touching way to remember the 9/11 fallen, a noble way to pay our respect. The Fort Buchanan Fire Department did a remarkable job and the march was conducted very well, with the water stations and all the participation. It was a great event,” said US Navy Reserve Puerto Rico Commanding Officer, Commander David F. Zerda.
Fort Buchanan Will Never Forget.
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