EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- September 11, 2001, was a tragic and pivotal day in history and a day our nation will never forget. Twenty-three years ago, our nation and its freedoms were under attack. To honor and remember those who lost their lives that horrible day, the 412th Test Wing hosted two events at Edwards Air Force Base.
L: A Firefighter with the 812th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services looks through badges with photos of fallen firefighters during the 9/11 Remembrance Run/Walk on Edwards Air Force Base, California, Sept. 11. R: The 412th Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Stolzfus shared his memories and remarks from Sept. 11.
The Edwards community gathered Wednesday morning at the base track to walk or run in solidarity while the names of the fallen were read aloud in remembrance.
Later that afternoon, a ceremony was held at the base theater where the 412th Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Stolzfus stated, “9/11 is not just a day of mourning. For us in uniform it is a call to action. A reminder of why we serve our country.”
After the attacks, the nation would see itself embroiled in a nearly two decade-long war in Afghanistan during the Global War on Terror which many current active-duty service members deployed in support of.
L: A Firefighter with the 812th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services sounded a series of bells known as “Striking the Four Fives” to remember and honor the fallen firefighters from 9/11. R: James Levell with the 812th Civil Engineer Squadron, Fire and Emergency Services speaks about his experience during 9/11.
The events held on base were to commemorate the nearly 3000 people who lost their lives, the thousands that were injured and the first responders who acted heroically for our nation.
Edwards Air Force Base and the airmen stationed here are just a few of our nations men and women who want to make a difference and serve our country. One of them being James Levell, 812th Civil Engineer Squadron, Fire and Emergency Services, who attended the event to commemorate his fellow firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11.
“All of us that were lucky enough to be in the military and first responders were very proud to be where we were,” Levell said. “I hope everyone here takes the time to think about the way September 11 has affected you and the world around you. I also hope everyone here can forget all the negative things we're all seeing and just remember