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Transit Center honors 9/11 heroes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Krystie Martinez
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan --  The Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, held a memorial ceremony today to pay tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

U.S. and Kyrgyz service members, diplomatic community members and other distinguished visitors made up the audience of more than 400 showing their respect to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and continue to do so.

Among the 343 firefighters and paramedics killed while conducting rescue operations was Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr. the highest ranking member of the New York City Fire Department.

The ceremony highlights were a live video feed with Ganci's two sons, both FDNY lieutenants with Ladder 111, Peter III and Christopher Ganci and a wreath laying.

"Although the attacks of September 11th were over a decade ago I still feel that there is one absolute truth in this world, it is that I never get tired of talking about my father," said Christopher Ganci. "A lot of leaders talk boldly about command but my father walked the walk. On that fateful day he commanded the greatest rescue operation in the city's history, successfully evacuating over 25,000 people from those two buildings."

Following the 9/11 attacks the Transit Center, formerly known as Ganci Air Base in honor of Chief Ganci, reactivated and designated the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing in December 2001 to support operations in Afghanistan.

"This center came into existence in large part because of the events that took place in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon on September 11," said Col. John "J.C." Millard, 376th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "This morning we are especially remembering a true American hero [Chief of Department] Peter J. Ganci Jr., whose selfless service on the morning of September 11, 2001 has been an inspiration to all of us who serve."

Of those inspired by the actions of the first responders during the 9/11 attacks was Ambassador Pamela Spratlen, U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, who presented the opening remarks.

"At 'ground zero,' out of that smoky, choking horror, heroes were born every minute, especially among New York City's first responders," she said. "The United States continues to honor all who served on 9/11 and every day since."