Team Ramstein pays tribute to 9/11

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ciara M. Travis
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  In honor of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Airmen from Team Ramstein paid homage to those lost by hosting several different events throughout the base.

On Sept. 9, Airmen participated in a base-wide memorial retreat ceremony at the base flag pole. During the ceremony, two wreaths were laid by both the German and American communities. After the folding of the flag, a ceremonial bell rang 10 times to represent the years that had passed since 9/11. Rather than solely focusing on the tragedy of that infamous day, Brig. Gen. Charles K. Hyde, 86th Airlift Wing commander, reflected on how much we have progressed because of September 11th.

"Our people, communities and nations are stronger than fear; our shared values and partnerships remain resilient and strong, and the commitment to service before self -- in our firefighters, police, first responders and military will leave a legacy which makes 9/11 a remembrance, not only of sacrifice, but of the triumph of good over evil," said Hyde.

Also, to pay tribute, a 10K memorial run was held by the 786th Force Support Squadron near the South Side Fitness Center. The run was open to all ID card holders and began at 8 a.m. on Sept. 10. More than 320 people participated and T-shirts were given away to the first 300 runners.

While adults were primarily the only participants of the retreat ceremony and the 10K run, children also joined in the ceremonial events.

Students from Ramstein Middle School honored the fallen by participating in a commemoration ceremony on Sept. 9. The ceremony consisted of a moment of silence, the national anthem and music from the school orchestral band. Students were also given the opportunity to say the pledge of Allegiance.

Trace Adkins, country music icon, also made it to Ramstein's Hanger 3, where he sang to help boost morale and remember 9/11. The concert was held by the United Services Organization, Armed Forces Entertainment and the 86th Force Support Squadron.

"This group is always the most appreciative group I play for," said Adkins. "They would probably cheer us on, even if we sucked -- but we try not to suck."

The concert began at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 and was the closing event for the memorial events.

Now, 10 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks Ramstein Airmen continue to deploy and support the mission.

"This war is perhaps the most difficult we have faced because the enemy is defined as an ideology," said Hyde. "This war must and will be won. I believe that all the veterans, all volunteers who fight today, who have seen the horrors of war, will prevail on the battlefield. More importantly, I believe they will persist in the struggle against those whose only strength is believe we will embrace their fear more than our values."