U.S. servicemembers join tribute to terrorist victims

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SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  Americans in the U.S. military community living and working in Europe paid tribute July 14 to the victims of the terrorist bombings in London on July 7.

Marine Gen. James Jones, commander of U.S. European Command, issued a message to the American forces in Europe encouraging participation in the Europe-wide two minutes of silence that took place at noon.

"I encourage all those representing U.S. Forces in Europe -- military, civilian, contractors and family members -- to join with the people of the (United Kingdom) and others throughout Europe in observing two minutes of silence in honor of those who died or were injured in that attack," General Jones said. "May this reflection strengthen our resolve to defeat the forces of global terrorism."

U.S. servicemembers stationed as far away as Bosnia, Italy, Iceland and Portugal took part in the silent tribute.

At 11:55 a.m., the base loudspeaker at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, summoned Airmen, civilians and family members:

“The time is 11:55. At noon, this base will observe two minutes silence in memory of the victims of last week’s London bombings. Please stand outside your buildings and link hands for the two minutes of silence.”

Five minutes later, people joined hands in a gesture of solidarity and remembrance.

At RAF Croughton, England, Amanda Fore, a British citizen and assistant manager at the base bowling center here, observed the remembrance alongside fellow countrymen, base Airmen and family members.

“Having both (countries) experience (terrorist attacks), it was nice for us to take time to grieve together and support each other,” Ms. Fore said. “It was a nice solemn moment for us to all pay our respects.”

Her thoughts were shared by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Mozelewski from the 422nd Communications Squadron at RAF Croughton.

“It was a very somber moment,” Sergeant Mozelewski said. “I thought of the people (who) were killed and injured and what their families must be going through.

“It was an honor to stand next to some of our British neighbors and pay my respects to the innocent victims of this tragedy,” he said. (Staff Sgt. Chris Stagner, 422nd Air Base Squadron Public Affairs Office; 100th ARW Public Affairs and EUCOM Public Affairs contributed to this article)