Remembering 9/11 : Marne Soldiers partner with communities

By Staff Sgt. Mary S. Katzenberger, 4IBCT Public AffairsSeptember 20, 2012

9/11 Freedom Walk
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Countless hands were placed over hearts during recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance, and numerous hand salutes were rendered with precision during renditions of the National Anthem as Soldiers from Fort Stewart, Ga., gathered with citizens, government officials, law enforcement personnel and emergency responders from surrounding communities to participate in patriotic remembrances of the events of 9/11.

The 9/11 remembrances kicked off in Pembroke, Ga., Sept. 9, with a static display of vehicles and weapons hosted by Soldiers from the 546th Military Police Company, and a keynote speech given by Lt. Col. Nathan Swartz, commander of 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division.

After a color guard comprised of Cub Scouts from Pack 141 posted the colors near the lectern, Lt. Col. Swartz thanked the Pembroke community for the support it provides to the Marne Division; he then spoke about how America was forever changed--for the better--after 9/11.

"That day's destruction and devastation did not condemn this county to be a country with a future filled with fear," Lt. Col. Swartz said. "No, this loss, as profound as it was, did not break the soul of this nation--it made it stronger. That day fortified Americans with pride and patriotism and created a spirit of service in the hearts of a new generation."

The remembrances continued, Sept. 11, at Lyman Hall Elementary, where some of the members of the newest generation of Americans took pause from their studies to honor the men and women who keep the nation safe.

Soldiers from Company D, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4IBCT, 3rd ID, helped students raise the American and Georgia state flags at the start of the ceremony, and walked with students to lay a wreath at the base of the flagpole before the Lyman Hall community conducted a Freedom Walk around the school's campus.

Lieutenant Colonel Justin Hadley, commander of 6th Sqdrn., 8th Cav. Regt., delivered the keynote address to the students and parents assembled.

"Many of the young men and women serving today were seated in classrooms just like yours on that fateful day, listening and learning from all their wonderful teachers," Lt. Col. Hadley said. "As the years went by and they were old enough they raised their right hand and they chose to serve this great country of ours. Just as every generation before them, this generation lives the values of service, sacrifice and selflessness, which have always been the source of this nation's strength."

Lieutenant Colonel Lee Overby, commander of 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 4IBCT, echoed Lt. Col. Hadley's sentiments about the 9/11 generation, Sept. 11, when he spoke to high school students at a remembrance at the Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Ga.

"As we look back at the last 11 years and how this new, great generation has brought the country into the twenty-first century, we need to look toward the future and wonder where this generation can take us next," Lt. Col. Overby said. "Those of you students who are participating in today's events or watching it, I challenge you to be an active part of your generation.

"Don't settle for the status quo, seek responsibility, be involved and volunteer to help others," Lt. Col. Overby continued. "Whatever you do, make a difference."