DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- It was 16 years ago that 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaida hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon and the fourth plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pa.
Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks to include 343 firefighters and 71 police officers who sacrificed their lives to save others.
To this day, U.S. citizens join together annually to remember the lives that were lost in the attacks. Dyess participated in honoring those lost lives by coming together in a silent ruck march and retreat ceremony.
Airmen marched together for approximately two miles in silence while they recalled the worst attack on American soil.
“It means a lot to me to be able to participate today,” said Staff Sgt. Cassidy Babb, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron structural journeyman. “This isn’t just a walk though; it’s a ruck where we carry weight on our backs and march in silence to remember those who have lost their lives in the attack and those who died saving others.”
Later in the day, a retreat ceremony was held in memory of the men and women who lost their lives during the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
“Part of the reason we do retreat is for tradition, but also it’s to give praise and respect to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and saved others,” said Tech. Sgt. James Green, 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics NCO in charge.
Many Dyess Airmen remember where they were, who they were with and what they were doing.
“It’s very rewarding to be able to participate in these events,” said Green. “It takes me back to that day that’s still fresh in so many of our minds. I take a lot of pride in knowing that I’m able to be out here to remember the lives our country lost 16 years ago today.”