McConnell AFB commemorates 9/11

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Maurice A. Hodges
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Team McConnell held a Patriot Day ceremony Sept. 11, 2013, in honor of the victims of 9/11.

The ceremony included a 21 gun salute, a traditional rendition of "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes, the sounding of the last alert for the first responders and a retreat ceremony.

"That event 12 years ago shaped the very identity of our country," said Col. Joel Jackson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "September 11 stories of heroism and survival will be written for many years into the future."

Local first responders took part in the ceremony along with first responders from McConnell AFB.

Ten McConnell AFB Airmen also participated in a candle light vigil held in downtown Wichita, Kan.

"We have to remember to live each day to the best of our ability, be good citizens and take care of each other," says Master Sgt. Rachael Hall, 22nd Forces Support Squadron Airman Leadership School commandant and vigil participant. "After 9/11, we came together as a country. I have never seen our country come together like that even though it was a tragedy."

These events were just two of the countless ceremonies commemorating the victims of 9/11, and at the end of the ceremony at McConnell AFB, Jackson wanted the crowd to remember one thing in particular.

"May we never forget the events of 9/11 and the true American heroes, those who ran towards danger that autumn day so others can live," he said.