They were there to remember that day.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been over 20 years since this happened,” Col. Charles Barkhurst, 88th Air Base Wing vice commander, told the group. “This is our generation’s moment where none of us will forget where we were and what we were doing when we heard what happened on 9/11.”
More than 500 Wright-Patt community members came out to take part in the annual Run for the Fallen in remembrance of those killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“As Americans, service members, Airmen (and) Guardians, we have an obligation. That’s why we’re here today: to remember the victims in the 9/11 attacks,” Barkhurst said. “We also honor first responders at the Pentagon, in New York City and around the country. They ran towards danger. Their dedication, courage and bravery saved many lives, perhaps thousands of lives.”
Credit: (U.S. Air Force photo by Hannah
Credit: (U.S. Air Force photo by Hannah
He went on to say it was important for children and younger Airmen, those not yet born on the day of the attacks, to be at the event.
“The heroic efforts of so many on Sept. 11 can be an inspiration for the generations of today and tomorrow,” Barkhurst said. “It is our responsibility, as the survivors and the nation, to help teach our young people about the attacks, to tell the stories of people that were lost, and to share the response and resilience of the survivors and our country.”
A wreath-laying and the playing of taps followed Burkhurst’s remarks. Then, the crowd moved toward the starting line for the 5-kilometer run. There was also a 2K course for those choosing to walk.
Jon Taylor, Air Force Materiel Command, and his son, Maverick, 5, were among those who walked.
“It was a branch outing,” Taylor said when asked why he was there. “But, it is just as important for him to remember, or to realize that things like this happened.”
Credit: (U.S. Air Force photo by Hannah
Credit: (U.S. Air Force photo by Hannah
Credit: (U.S. Air Force photo by Hannah
Credit: (U.S. Air Force photo by Hannah
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