Memorial observance calls for hope

Published Sept. 13, 2012
By TSgt Shawn McCowan
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN -- September 11 remembrance events have become a solemn new tradition in American culture. Observances range from an individual's private moments of silence to crowds gathered at Ground Zero in New York City. The atmosphere surrounding peaceful memorial events in New York City may be most heartfelt and palpable. But a profoundly passionate, equally genuine, and somehow decidedly hopeful observance can be found on the other side of the world and at the other end of the war on terror... in Afghanistan.

The sun set after a long September 11th at Bagram Airfield, which included a late night attack that destroyed a coalition Chinook helicopter. The explosion killed three Afghan military members and injured some NATO service members. At the end of the trying 11th anniversary of the infamous terrorist attacks, more than 200 deployed men and women filled Bagram Airfield's Enduring Faith Chapel to remember the events of "9/11" in a unique way. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Stephen McDermott's friend, Bill Monaghan, is a singer/song writer. Monaghan's brother, Michael, had been killed during a training accident while serving in the Navy. As the Monaghan family was recovering from the loss, America was attacked.

Struggling with both the loss of his brother and the events on 9/11, Bill turned to music to deal with his feelings of pain, anger, and loss. Yet he searched for a path to hope. He wrote and produced a CD, "9/11 in Memoriam." in which he sought hope his work would help others heal.

Eleven years later, in the heart of a warzone, McDermott brought together musicians and singers from many faiths, creeds, and services, to perform a shortened version of "9/11 in Memoriam."

As the Chapel lights dimmed, hundreds quietly read the names of those who died on September 11 as they appeared on the Chapel video screens. Meanwhile, The Army 1st Infantry Division "Brass Quintet" band played somber hymns and musical selections. Each person then lit a small candle as images of the attack were shown, and then the Invocation was prayed.

The Prayer Service began with dark, emotional songs about loss. But each successive piece was slightly more hopeful, including Psalms asking for help and deliverance from sadness. The observance's deeply emotional beginning then shifted to a powerful message by Air Force Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Glass.

Glass urged attendees to remember what is required of those who respond to the call to stand against evil and pay freedom's price. The theme of his message was, "Hate what is evil, cling to what is good." He warned those in attendance not to take their perception as "good" for granted, reminding each person to be careful to keep their heart pure.

"We fight evil, and we believe we stand for good. But do not be fooled into thinking our intentions are always pure. Freedom is history's most cherished ideal. Do not take lightly the responsibilities our freedom affords us. We must all make sure we are what we stand for," said Glass.

"Our task is not an easy one, but with humility and patience, anchored securely to God's grace, our memories of 9/11 will lead us to stand against evil to pass on the torch of freedom to another generation."

Glass' strong message opened the second half of the evening's observance. The second set featured decidedly more upbeat songs than the first half, suggesting new hope though a mix of gospel and blues-styled songs. The remembrance closed with everyone joined together in a bold declaration of hope and patriotism called, "I Will Fly the Red, White, and Blue," which ended in the chorus, "I Will Fly the Red, White, and Blue for the memory of you and those who have gone. And I will pledge to always remember that day in September with prayer and song."

McDermott said he was ecstatic at the result of his efforts.

"I would like to thank everyone for all they did to make the night an amazing experience. The memory of watching & listening to 200 people standing and singing the final song will always remain with me. This was a wonderful tribute to how we use God's gifts and share them with others," said McDermott.

McDermott said he could hardly wait to tell someone else about the evening's success.

"After everything was done and after everyone left, I called Bill Monaghan to share with him the success of the evening. He was elated. I was elated. In fact, everyone there was elated. We spoke about the importance of this special type of Remembering "...with Prayer and Song". Not only does it bring people together in a shared experience, but it also allows for real healing of hearts. And this is what inspires great hope among us all."