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Afghan school opening celebrates new beginnings on Sept. 11

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  Reserved for remembering the victims of the terrorist attacks; September 11, in Afghanistan, with the assistance of the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team, honored the future of its people and its country Monday.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Miller, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, Afghan dignitaries and members of the local community joined together to mark the opening of a new school in a nearby province.

The Aziz-r-Rahman Shaheed School is named after an Afghan freedom fighter that fought against the Russians in the 1980's.

The school opening was the culmination of over a year's work for the Bagram PRT. The team is a mix of civilian, U.S. military and Coalition forces who work to promote conditions for self-sufficiency, enduring prosperity, and a secure, stable environment. The PRTs are an off-shoot of humanitarian operations units created by the Army in early 2002. From wells to schools to hydro-electric projects, the teams are helping to rebuild Afghanistan. This school was just one of many successful projects completed in the country.

Marked by speeches extolling the importance of education and honoring the victims of 9-11, the ceremony focused on the hope and future of the Afghan people.

"A tragedy was responsible for bringing us together; today, the 11th of September, is a day that Americans and many others will remember," said General Miller. "But out of tragedy can come great good when good people work together for the right reasons."

As a parent, General Miller urged all parents present at the ceremony to support their children; to send them to school; and to help them make a better future for their country. "To you who are teachers, yours is a special calling," he noted; "Your courage is essential to build the people who will make Afghanistan strong."

"You will win, when every Afghan stands up and insists on a strong and prosperous Afghanistan that lets all of its people reach their full potential," he said. "Let this school stand as a reminder that freedom is not free." Especially to you, the citizens of Bagram, who have paid the ultimate price in past conflicts."

"Education is a measure of freedom, and the freedom we are building together will let your children learn free from distraction and threats." Referring to a banner on the stage, General Miller concluded, "Now is a time of learning; Now is the time for you to act!"