JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Joint Base Andrews hosted a 9/11 remembrance ceremony here, Sept. 9, 2022, to reflect on the tragic events that the United States suffered on Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor the almost 3,000 lives that were lost.
Twenty-one years ago, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes and crashed them into the Twin Towers of New York City’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. These were the deadliest attacks on American soil since the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Dozens of service members and base personnel gathered for the ceremony, along with a flight of first responders who stood before a suspended American flag. The bugle call Reveille was played after a collective moment of silence, followed by the playing of Taps in honor of those who died.
Col. Todd Randolph, 316th Wing and installation commander, gave his remarks.
“Today we remember the lives lost in the tragic September 11, 2001, attacks on our soil,” said Randolph. “We also remember their loved ones who still mourn their absence today. Together we are reminded of the events and the resilience it prompted as we honor those who sacrificed themselves for our safety.”