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Joint base community remembers 9/11

  • Published
  • By Pascual Flores
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Members of the joint base community gathered at the Soldiers Chapel for a 9/11 Memorial Service Sept. 10.

Servicemembers from JB MDL and the local community attended the ceremony.

All rose to their feet as Col. Patrick Slowey, Army Support Activity - Dix commander and Chaplain (Col.) Thomas Brouillard, ASA - Dix command chaplain, placed a wreath on the chapel altar marking the ninth anniversary of 9/11.

Immediately following the laying of the wreath, a bell was rung three times, once for each of the three sites where American lives were lost Sept. 11, 2001.

"Why do we remind ourselves annually of the attack? So that we don't forget," said Brouillard. "Lessons learned are too quickly forgotten."

Brouillard reminded all in attendance of the loss as a result of the terrorist attacks: hundreds were killed in the attack on the Pentagon and thousands were killed at the World Trade Center and on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Lest we forget and history repeats itself, remember, so the future of the living can be brighter," he added.

Brouillard pointed out the Afghanistan War is America's longest war, surpassing the Vietnam War.

During closing remarks, Slowey reminded the assembly of the absolute need to remember 9/11 and, as painful as that may or may not be, time heals all wounds.

Slowey emphasized that even in the hustle of everyday life, it is important Americans don't forget this major event or be distracted from the real meaning of 9/11.

"Even after the physical scars are gone, it is important Americans remember and our children remember, for 9/11 truly changed their lives," said Slowey.

Attendees also viewed a video tribute showing the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash-site of Flight 93 in the fields of Shanksville, Pa.

Silence fell in the chapel as the video played; men and women - both military and civilian - could be seen dabbing their eyes.
"As we were preparing for this memorial service of 9/11 and as we got into the actual service, it reminded me that it was like opening an old wound," said Master Sgt. Lorenzia Henderson, ASA Religious Support Operation noncommissioned officer in charge. "But more so, it reminded me of how important it is for us to remember those individuals who have sacrificed their lives -- innnocent individuals."