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Eighth Air Force, Barksdale Airmen remember Sept. 11, 2001

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • Eighth Air Force Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The tenth anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in United States history will be marked Sept. 11, 2011.

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, hijackers took control of four passenger aircrafts, crashing two of them into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and another into the Pentagon. The fourth crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pa., after passengers tried to retake control of the aircraft.

Barksdale Air Force Base and Eighth Air Force played a key role in the events of that day, as former President George W. Bush spoke to the nation from the Eighth Air Force Headquarters during his short but powerful address which began with the words, "Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward."

In remembrance of the thousands who lost their lives that day, the 2nd Bomb Wing held a 9/11 Reveille and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the 2nd BW headquarters flag pole Sept. 9, 2011. The ceremony included a moment of silence, which allowed Barksdale Airmen to reflect upon the tragic losses of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the service and sacrifices made combating terrorism since that fateful day.