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Airmen and families gather for retreat ceremony to remember 9/11

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Tristan Hinderliter
  • 92nd ARW Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Five years later, Fairchild hasn't forgotten.

In a ceremony here Monday afternoon, Fairchild honored the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks as well as the 2,900 Americans who have lost their lives fighting the Global War on Terrorism since 9/11.

"You've heard the saying that freedom isn't free," said Col. Scott Hanson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, "and a retreat ceremony, like the one here today, honoring those who have gone before us and made the ultimate sacrifice is one way to help bring it on home for all of our people."

The somber ceremony in front of the wing headquarters building included an honor guard presentation of a red and white wreath placed at the base of the flagpole while a bagpiper played "Amazing Grace." An honor guard detail then raised the flag from half-staff to the top of the flagpole, representing the American spirit rising from the ruble of the fallen twin towers after 9/11, the narrator said.

Mission Support Group Commander Col. Van Fuller commanded 250 Airmen who stood in formation around the flag pole.

Community leaders as well as Airmen and their families attended the event.

"It's always a privilege to honor those who have gone before us in protection of our nation," Col. Hanson said. "The deadly events that unfolded five years ago are always near the hearts of those who serve our country."

Fairchild has deployed over 6,400 Airmen since 9/11 in support of operations fighting terrorism around the world.