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Team Fairchild remembers 9-11

Kris Maynard, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron lead firefighter, rings a ceremonial firefighter's bell at a retreat ceremony at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Sept. 11, 2013. Traditionally three bells are sound in rememberance of those who can no longer respond to the call due to the Sept. 11 tradegy 12 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary O'Dell/Released)

Team Fairchild remembers 9-11

Fairchild Air Force Base honor guard members fold an American flag during a Retreat ceremony held at the Michael Anderson Elementary School at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Sept. 11, 2013. The school organized a coloring contest and retreat ceremony to pass on the memory of those individuals who served and saved on that day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño/Released)

Team Fairchild remembers 9-11

Published Sept. 13, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Michael Means
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The sun shined bright on the American flag as it was lowered during a retreat ceremony at the base flagpole in front of the Wing Headquarters here Sept. 11.

Members of Team Fairchild along with the heads of local fire and police departments took time to remember the thousands of lives lost as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States 12 years ago.

"The retreat offered a moment of respect and honored our heroes," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Wurn, event coordinator. "We remember and honor the men, women and children that lost their lives."

More than 150 members of Team Fairchild attended the ceremony that included a formation of Airmen, invocation by Chaplain (Capt.) Jeffrey Solheim, 92nd Air Refueling Wing, moment of silence and the ringing of a ceremonial firefighters' bell in recognition and honor of those who lost their lives.

"We remember the courage and sacrifice of our nation over a decade ago on 9-11," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "I ask you to pause and reflect on our challenges and triumphs since that day, as we have taken the fight overseas to defend freedom and to preserve our American way of life.

Team Fairchild also honored those lost this Patriot Day by displaying the U.S. flag at half staff and having a coloring contest and retreat ceremony performed by the base honor guard at Michael Anderson Elementary School on base.

Wurn said they held the events at the school to promote Patriot Day awareness and involvement with youth.

"Our students were not alive when the attacks happened on 9-11," said Melanie Kilgore, MAES teacher. "We want to pass on the message of unity, pride, and resiliency that all Americans felt as our nation came together on that day."

More than 470 student and 35 staff members participated in the Patriot Day events to pass on the memory of those individuals who were first responders and all those who served and saved on that day, she said.

"We must never forget that freedom is not free," said Newberry. "Please take the time to talk to your families and reflect on where you were 12 years ago in order to keep this memory fresh as to how our lives changed significantly on that fateful day."