News>Team Aviano honors sacrifice during 9/11 ceremony
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Firefighters from the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron post the colors during the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 11 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The ceremony was held at 3:59 p.m., coinciding with the time the first tower fell during the terrorist attacks 11 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jenay Randolph)
A 31st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter post the United States Air Force flag during the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 11 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The ceremony to honor and remember the lives lost 11 years ago during the attacks on 9/11. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jenay Randolph)
First responders and Team Aviano Airmen gather for the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 11 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The ceremony was held at 3:59 p.m., coinciding with the time the first tower fell during the terrorist attacks 11 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jenay Randolph)
Aviano firefighters post the colors during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The ceremony was held at 3:59 p.m., to coincide with the time the first tower fell during the terrorist attacks 11 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Briana Jones)
A United States flag is folded during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The ceremony commemorated the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Briana Jones)
Aviano firefighters stand at parade rest during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The ceremony was held at 3:59 p.m., to coincide with the time the first tower fell during the terrorist attacks 11 years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Briana Jones)
by Senior Airman Katherine Tereyama
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
9/12/2012 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- "Please take note of the time. It is exactly 1559 [3:59 p.m.] in the afternoon here in Aviano, Italy, but 0959 [9:59 a.m.] in New York City. We start today's ceremony at this time to symbolize the time the first tower fell [and when] our nation's first responders paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Amacker, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief.
So began this year's annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony held in the Aviano Fire House. The event is held each year to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and the sacrifice made by first responders. Emergency personnel were represented by a formation of Airmen from the 31st Security Forces Squadron, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department and the 31st Medical Group, and personnel from throughout the 31st Fighter Wing stood in attendance.
The words "Never Forget" have been taken to heart by many who remember exactly what they were doing at the time of the attacks and how they were affected by the news. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Scott Zobrist, 31st FW commander, took the podium to address Team Aviano members.
"At this time in 2001, the United States of America was attacked and our nation as a whole became awakened to the evil of terrorism, and we embarked on a mission to destroy it while defending innocent lives from its cruelty," he said. "It's a legacy that we have been handed. And we come today to remember."
"Eleven years ago, I was stepping to go fly an F-16 loaded with [2,000 pound bombs]," Zobrist continued. "I stood at the duty desk at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and I watched in amazement, shock and horror as I watched the first tower burn and then I watched the airplane hit the second tower. Little did I know that for the next 11 years, our nation would be at war."
For many, the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks is also a reminder of the sacrifice and bravery made by emergency responders, both past and present, and an opportunity to thank those that serve.
"I salute the men and women who were ready on Sept. 11, 2001 and I sleep better at night knowing there are Airmen awake in our emergency control center, just through that door," said Lt. Col. Kevin Mantovani, 31st CES commander and 31st FW fire marshall. "They're ready to sound the alarm, and they're ready to do whatever it takes to save my life, and yours."
Staff Sgt. Daniel Nembhard, 31st CES firefighter, carried the U.S. flag as part of the color guard during the ceremony. He said it was a humbling experience, and that as a firefighter, he felt honored to pay respect to his brothers and sisters.
"I'm motivated to put on my uniform to be a part of that brotherhood, to be part of something bigger than myself, to help people. [The brotherhood among first responders] is unbelievable," he said. "You look at these men and women ... trying to save an individual's life or a group of people's lives. And you look at [them] as heroes, and to sit back and think that you're a part of this group, I can't describe it any other way but to say wow."
