ASA-Dix, JB MDL pay tribute to 9/11

Published Sept. 15, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Bryan Swink
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Army Support Activity-Dix hosted a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Sept. 9 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon and the lives lost on Flight 93.

More than 125 people filed into the Soldier's Chapel here to pay their respects to those who passed away.

The ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem by Sgt. 1st Class Eric Turner, ASA-Dix Joint Reception Center NCO in charge. Col. Patrick Slowey, ASA-Dix commander, and ASA-Dix Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Whittaker then walked the center isle of chapel and laid a wreath at the front of the altar.

Candles were lit and a bell was rung to commemorate the four locations where individuals perished on that day 10 years ago.

"This ceremony clearly met a need many people felt on JB MDL as displayed by the attendance," said Chaplain (Capt.) Tim Sastic, ASA-Dix chaplain. "The participation of Air Force, Army, Navy, Fire Department, DOD Police and civilian personnel spoke to the profound impact Sept. 11, 2001 had on Americans from all walks of life."

James Kazalis, a survivor of the World Trade Center south tower attack, was the honorary guest speaker of the event. He recalled the events from that day from his perspective and his personal struggle of processing the events of the tragedy.

"It was the most horrifying day of my life," he said.

The Marine Corps and Vietnam veteran said he couldn't comprehend what was actually happening. He just knew he had to get in contact with his wife who was watching the towers collapse from across the Hudson River. She had no idea whether or not he was still inside or not.

Kazalis' story from that day kept the audience in complete silence. Ears and eyes were locked onto every word.

He now volunteers as a tour guide in lower Manhattan, telling his story to visitors from all over the world.

"The 9/11 Memorial Ceremony was a great success because of the collective participation by the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst leadership," said Sastic. "The presence of JB MDL Commander Col. John Wood and Col. Slowey emphasized the importance they place on remembering the tragic events of that day."