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Manas Airmen, dignitaries from ten nations remember Sept. 11, 2001

  • Published
  • By Maj. Damien Pickart
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, KYRGYZ REPUBLIC --  Dignitaries from the Kyrgyz Republic and ten other nations joined more than 200 hundred coalition service members here today in a solemn ceremony in remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks seven years ago and the sacrifices made in the Global War on Terrorism since.

"I am honored and humbled as I stand beside my fellow Liberando Airmen, our gracious Kyrgyz hosts, my fellow anti-terrorism coalition partners, and all our special guests as we gather to honor the memory of the brave heroes and innocent victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and those who have sacrificed so much in the Global War on Terrorism," said Col. Christopher Bence, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "We must never forget that patriots from across the world continue to nourish the "liberty tree" with their blood and sacrifice. Each life lost serves as a reminder to us that freedom comes with a high price that must be paid if it is to be maintained."

The late afternoon event was attended by more than 60 distinguished visitors, including ambassadors and representatives to the Krygyz Republic from the United States, China, Turkey, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Japan, Russia, France and Germany, along with dozens of representatives from the Kyrgyz government, local communities and civil organizations. Also attending the event were several senior officers from Air Mobility Command, including the Commander, Gen. Arthur Lichte.

"The ceremony here was touching," said General Lichte. "I'm a New York City native from the Bronx. My son worked in the World Trade Center. Events like the one held here today renewed the memories of where we were at that precise moment when 9/11 occurred. Remembering that day reinvigorates all of us as to why we are here and the reason we carry on with the mission. We need to be prepared so this never happens again."

During the event, Colonel Bence, along with a firefighter and security forces Airman, gave stirring comments in honor of the first responders who sacrificed their lives to save others Sept. 11. Following the reading of the firefighter's and police officer's prayers, two wreaths were placed before the Peter J. Ganci Jr. Memorial and the event concluded with a haunting version of Taps and the tolling of a bell.

The Manas ceremony paid tribute not only to those who perished Sept. 11, but also to the U.S. and coalition servicemembers who have given their lives in the Global War on Terrorism since 2001.

"The fight since 9/11 has come at a steep and exacting price," said Colonel Bence. "More than 7,700 Americans and another 700 coalition members from two dozen nations have died in the subsequent conflict to rid the world of terrorism since the first plane struck the World Trade Center's north tower seven years ago today. The Kyrgyz Republic and all coalition members must prevail in this fight. Our success and continued partnership is important not only for the future of all nations, but for our families and children as well."

Manas Air Base, formerly known as Ganci Air Base in honor of the New York City fire chief who perished leading his firefighters into the World Trade Center complex, serves as the premier air mobility hub in support of International Security Assistance Force and military coalition operations in Afghanistan. U.S. and French refueling aircraft support coalition aircraft along with Spanish C-130s for airlift and aeromedical evacuation. The base also serves as the hub for thousands of coalition servicemembers transiting in and out of Afghanistan.

During the ceremony and in a social and dinner afterwards, wing leadership praised the continued Kyrgyz and coalition partner support in the war on terror since Sept. 11.

"I stand here today to extend my sincerest appreciation to our Kyrgyz hosts for standing firm beside the United Sates and our coalition partners and for continuing your unwavering support for democracy and freedom," said Colonel Bence. "We recognize the large sacrifice you make to support this difficult, yet necessary fight, to rid the world of terror. For this I thank you."