Yokota remembers 9/11 with retreat ceremony

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Desiree Economides
  • 374th Airlift Squadron Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  More than 75 military and civilian members of the 374th Airlift Wing gathered for a retreat ceremony Sept. 9, to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

During the event, the memory of the men and women who lost their lives during the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were honored with the laying of a wreath, playing of taps and a ceremonial folding of the flag by the Yokota Air Base Honor Guard.

"We gather today to remember that morning 10 years ago, when terrorists attacked Americans on United States' soil," said Master Sgt. Kendall Prude, the event's master of ceremonies. "Together we remember the event and the resiliency it prompted, unifying America under our principle of freedom while honoring those who gave of themselves for our safety."

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, four commercial airplanes were hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists crashing in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, killing nearly 3,000 and inspiring Americans to unite.

"Having a ceremony, especially to mark the 10th anniversary, is a great way to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice," said Tech. Sgt. Andy Gilbert, flight leader at the event.

The narrator concluded the ceremony with words about the continued solidarity that all service members share with each other in light of the day's event.

"We remember those who lost their lives that day and in the fight against terrorism ever since," said Sergeant Prude. "We remember our fellow brothers and sisters in arms who are in harm's way today fighting to protect our nation."