Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, September 12, 2003 - On Thursday September 11, service membbers aboard Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, took time to remember those who died two years ago, as well as those who have fallen since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism.
The event started with a stirring slideshow containing images from September 11, 2001, and events that have transpired since then as part of the global war on terrorism.
"May what we do tonight create a future from our past. I am willing to bet none of us would be here tonight if it were not for the events of September 11. This service tonight is not to memorialize the day. That would be giving too much to those that orchestrated those events," said Air Force Chaplain Charles Seligman.
"We come tonight to remember and to consecrate ourselves to press on, so that those we leave behind, would not live in fear, but in freedom and liberty."
A prayer was said to remember those who have fallen since that September11, and to strengthen the resolve of service members conducting vital work toward freedom and safety while missing important things back home.
A moment of silence followed in honor of those who died September 11, 2001. A bell then tolled out three times. The first for victims of 9-11, the second marking casualties of Operation Enduring Freedom, and the final toll for casualties of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
According to Marine Brigadier General Mastin M. Robeson, CJTF-HOA Commander, the efforts of members of CJTF-HOA, have led to eighteen known transnational terrorist being captured or killed. Speaking to the gathering, Robeson said, "It is unlikely that you will know the results of your efforts. One day the history books will tell the truth about what you have done here in the Horn of Africa. History will document that you are part of a new standard, you should be proud of what you have done."
Today, in a virtually unknown corner of Africa, a small group of Americans are doing their part in the global war on terror. As we remember the fallen of that horrible day, let us also remember those who serve far from home to insure that such an event never happens again.