Altus AFB honors fallen with 9/11 ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kirby Turbak
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - --  Members of Altus Air Force Base and local emergency responder attended a 9/11 remembrance ceremony outside the base fire station Sept. 11.

"Sept. 11 of every year will always serve as a reminder of the greatness of American first responder's service to our communities, nation, and each other," said U.S. Air Force Col. Todd Hohn, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander. "It's a reminder to honor the lives that were lost, to celebrate the lives that were saved, and the folks that saved them."

The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by a joint honor guard made of Airmen from the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department and 97th Security Forces Squadron members, followed by the firefighters', security forces' and medics' prayer read by a member from each of the professions.

Next, members of the 97th Medical Group and fire department performed a flag folding ceremony, with each of the folds representing a group of people that lost their lives or were strongly affected by the events of 9/11.

Following the flag folding was the sounding of the last alarm -- the ringing of a ceremonial bell that traditionally pays respect to firefighters that have lost their lives in the line of duty to honor the 343 firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, 43 medical responders and 55 military members who lost their lives from the attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

"It is truly amazing to think that in the face of such loss so many lives were saved due to the efforts of selfless first responders, many of whom gave their own lives to save others," said Hohn. "In the midst of one of America's worst tragedies, they displayed the best of humanity, courage, sacrifice, and heroism."

The ceremony allowed attendees to pay their respects and a reminder of the sacrifices of those who responded to the events.

"It is my distinguished honor to be with all of you today," said Hohn. "I am humbled to stand alongside you in reverence to what this day represents, and I'm truly proud to serve with each of you."

The ceremony ended with the playing of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes by a member of the Oklahoma Fire Pipes and Drums band.