Third Army hosts Sept. 11 Service of Remembrance

By Cpl. Christopher A. Calvert, Third Army/ARCENT Public AffairsSeptember 12, 2011

Third Army hosts Sept. 11 Service of Remembrance
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Third Army Soldiers and servicemembers gather around the U.S. flag at the ASG-K headquarters here for a moment of silence at 3:46 p.m. Sept. 11. Troops congregated at this specific moment to coincide with the time the Sept. 11 ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

By Cpl. Christopher A. Calvert

Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Third Army hosted a Service of Remembrance here Sept. 11 at the Zone One Chapel honoring those who lost their life that tragic day 10 years ago.

During the ceremony, there were heartfelt renditions performed by the Third Army Chapel Community Choir, earnest prayers were given, Bible scripture was read, and a candle lighting took place commemorating the passing of each year since the Sept. 11 attacks.

"It makes me feel honored to sing here," said Spc. Tequila Palmer, a dental specialist with Area Support Group-Kuwait, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and a Blythewood, S.C. native. "We lost so many loved ones that fateful day, and so many more the past 10 years. My singing expresses my dedication to all the families and victims who lost their life on Sept. 11."

There was also a Freedom Run which took place on Sept. 10, where several hundred servicemembers and civilians ran a 5K to commemorate those who've made the ultimate sacrifice over the last decade.

After the ceremony, Third Army servicemembers gathered around the U.S. flag at the ASG-K headquarters for a moment of silence at 3:46 p.m. It was done at this specific moment to coincide with the time the Sept. 11 attacks commenced in the U.S a decade ago.

"Today we honor those who lost their life 10 years ago," explained Col. Robert Cheatham, ASG-K Commander and a Springfield, Va. native. "We're here to pay tribute to the casualties of that fateful day, as well as those who have lost their life since."

Cheatham explained that although the Sept. 11 attacks shook the very foundations of the U.S., they could not waiver our strength as a nation.

"The losses our nation encountered have touched us all," Cheatham added. "We are all gathered here because we all responded to our nation's call to serve. Thousands of patriotic Americans have enlisted and reenlisted to protect our country since that day. Today, we reconfirm our commitment to the American ideals, while realizing our individual service is tied to the success of our great nation."

Third Army's commitment to the well-being of its troops remains a priority. Through tributes such as the Sept. 11 Service of Remembrance, Third Army is honoring those who lost their life during that fateful day 10 years ago, as well as servicemembers who've made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great country.