U.S. Navy photos by Lt. Cmdr. Jim Remington
Personnel from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling pause for a moment of silence Wednesday during its Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony off MacDill Boulevard.
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Joint Base remembers victims, first responders
WASHINGTON – Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) paused Wednesday to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as recognize the emergency responders that captured America's strength and resiliency in the face of its greatest tragedy.
To mark the 12th anniversary of that fateful day, JBAB leaders, police, fire and other civilian personnel, converged at the center of MacDill Boulevard for a remembrance ceremony that included a solemn bell ringing for each of the hijacked planes and the playing of taps by a member of the installation's Air Force Honor Guard.
Following prayers by Navy Chaplain (Cmdr.) Wes Sloat, JBAB command chaplain, and Air Force Reserve Chaplain Jeff Schlenz, JBAB Commander Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra added that while that day created a nationwide panic, it also led to one of America's finest hours.
"When reflecting on the terror, fire and confusion of September 11th, some would say it was a dark day for America but I submit it was one of our finest hours, as the confusion and fear waned quickly and was replaced with a renewed patriotism and sense of unity," said Calandra. "Today it is important we remember the terror so it is not repeated but it is more important to memorialize those heroes who fell that day, the victims and the first responders."