Photo By Master Sgt. James May | Members from the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo and National Support Element attended a...... read more read more
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Airmen, Soldiers and Marines deployed to Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina held a candlelight vigil for those who lost their lives during the Sept 11 attack.
Even though it was 14 years ago, many vividly remember it like it was yesterday.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed when three passenger airplanes were hijacked and flown into the two towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., while a fourth airplane was hijacked and crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pa.
“September 11 changed everything, I remember what that day felt like because I was shocked and hurt,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Samuel Hemphill, NATO Headquarters Sarajevo executive secretary. “I knew in my heart what had to be done, so I re-enlisted and volunteered for the first available deployment.”
Since 9/11, countless military members have fought in overseas contingency operations.
“I have deployed four times, three times to Iraq and once to Sarajevo,” said Staff Sgt. Sharla Murrill, National Support Element noncommissioned officer in charge. “Every time I put on the uniform, I’m reminded of the sacrifices that military members and civilians give to protect freedom.”
Hemphill gave a remembrance speech during the ceremony while others lit candles to pay homage. He reiterated the fact that thousands of troops have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the global war on terrorism.
Tears began to flow throughout the crowd when U.S. Army Brig. Gen Giselle Wilz, NATO Headquarters commander, recited the names of the North Dakota and North Carolina Guardsman who lost their lives.
As the last candle was lit during the vigil, it serves as a reminder that we will never forget.
Sept. 11 is a day where we lost many lives, but we also came together as a nation.
“It’s important to conduct ceremonies like these at home and abroad because if it affects one nation, it affects us all,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Stephen Eide, NHQSa executive officer.
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.11.2015 16:02 |
| Story ID: | 175785 |
| Location: | SARAJEVO, BA |
| Web Views: | 92 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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