Ceremony remembers victims of Sept. 11

A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" with the Arkansas Air National Guard's 188th Fighter Wing conduct a flyover at a Sept. 11, 2001, remembrance gathering at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith September 10, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen / Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs) Hi-res

by Capt. Heath Allen
Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs

9/10/2010 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- It was a moment no one will forget. And on Sept. 10, an assembly was held to remember the fallen.

Airman with the Arkansas Air National Guard's 188th Fighter Wing, the Fort Smith Fire Department, Fort Smith Police Department, Arkansas Army National Guard, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and members of the community gathered at UAFS Sept. 10 to remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives during the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and the four commercial airliners that were hijacked Sept. 11, 2001.

Col. Tom Anderson, 188th commander, addressed the throng during the event.

"September 11 didn't just interrupt our routine, it invaded our comfort zone," Anderson said during his speech. "The nation collectively held its breath, watching in sadness as the towers fell, the Pentagon burned and nearly 3,000 of our fellow Americans perished.

"Many innocent Americans lost their lives on Sept. 11 just like many American troops have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom, our country and our way of life. That day will always exist as a painful reminder to all citizens of this great nation that the cost of freedom and the American way of life comes with a high price."

Chief Mike Richards, fire chief of the Fort Smith Fire Department, and Dr. Robert Willoughby, interim chair of the UAFS history department, were also guest speakers.

The Fort Smith Fire Department Color Guard posted the colors and the Fort Smith Police Department fired a 21-gun salute. Two A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthogs" from the 188th provided a flyover and Jennifer Brummer performed the "Star Spangled Banner."

The Fort Smith Fire Department executed a ceremonial bell ringing and Harriett Sisson of the Ozark Highlander Pipe Band concluded the ceremony with a performance of "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes.

Additional photos of this event can be found on the 188th's official Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Smith-AR/188th-Fighter-Wing-Arkansas-Air-National-Guard/113971391965165.



Col. Tom Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander, gives a speech during a Sept. 11, 2001, remembrance gathering at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Sept. 10, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen / Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs) Hi-res

















Col. Tom Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander, right, and Chief Mike Richards, fire chief of the Fort Smith Fire Department, salute the United States flag during the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" at a Sept. 11, 2001, remembrance gathering at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Sept. 10, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Heath Allen / Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs) Hi-res

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SALUTE TO ALL PEOPLE WHO DIED (EXCLUDING THE F...ING TERRORISTS).



PLEASE REMEMBER:



AND PLEASE NOTE: AFTER NINE YEAERS OF NINE ELEVEN AND THE START OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, THE HUNT FOR OSAMA BIN LADEN AND THE FIGHT AGAIN AL QUAIDA AND THE TALIBAN ISN'T OVER. IN AFGHANISTAN, THE FIGHT AGAINST THE TALIBAN WILL CONTINUE. MY BEST WISHES TO ALL A-10C THUNDERBOLT II EXPEDITIONARY FIGHTER SQUADRONS WHO WERE / ARE / AND WILL BE DEPLOYED TO KANDAHAR AIRFIELD IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEEDOM.