Buckley service members guard World Trade Center artifacts

  • Published
  • By Airman Nigel Sims
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) --  Service members at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. held a recognition ceremony Aug. 8 displaying pieces of steel from the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

"This special ceremony was to honor the lives that were lost on Sept. 11, 2001," said Col. Daniel Dant, the 460th Space Wing Commander. "And for our fellow service men and women who, over the course of the last 10 years, have worked multiple tours of duty, and in some instances, have paid the ultimate price for protecting our nation from further attack."

"As you know terrorism is an increasingly dangerous threat," said Dant. "Not just to Americans, but to all civil societies that value human life and the fundamental democratic principles that we all hold so dearly."

"Ten years ago, the United States was attacked by those attempting to challenge our freedom and our strengths as a nation," said Dant. "However, we have demonstrated, and will continue to demonstrate and show or commitment and vigilance both here and overseas in ensuring our country is secure."

"We are not afraid, and freedom will prevail," said Dant.

"Here at Buckley Air Force Base we are honored to be a part of this special tribute as the state of Colorado officially receives the World Trade Center artifacts," Dant said.

"Looking at those relics reminds us of an evil that was perpetrated against us," he said. "And with that, I would like to leave you with a thought: We still will not tire, we still will not falter, and we still will not fail".

These pieces will be available for public viewing at Denver's Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab and around Colorado in September.