How appropriate that we pause and remember…

  • Published
  • By Col. Dave Goldfein
  • 52nd Fighter Wing commander
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  There are certain events that leave an indelible imprint on our lives forever. Many remember exactly where they were when President Kennedy was shot or when the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded. As such, none of us will probably forget the moment we learned our nation was under attack Sept. 11.

It was both our darkest and our brightest hour. For the thousands in our World Trade Center and Pentagon, it was a day that began like any other, with crystal clear blue skies and a light wind. It would end; however, in unforeseen and incomprehensible tragedy.

For the passengers aboard those airliners, the day most likely promised travel to exciting destinations or a rendezvous with family and friends. It ended in a nightmare of fire and metal. For the victims of this attack, it is important that we pause and remember.

As the first calls went out from cellular phones at the World Trade Center, fire fighters, police and other first responders rushed to offer aid. The stories of heroism are well documented -- firemen rushing up smoke-filled stairwells to save their fellow citizens even as the first tower collapsed and passengers taking on their attackers miles above the ground in Pennsylvania rather than allow their aircraft to be used for further destruction.

How appropriate that we pause and remember those who sacrificed themselves for their fellow man.

On that fateful day, I had just left the Pentagon on a bus to nearby Rosslyn, Va., when we saw an American Airlines jet turn low over the building and bank toward the south side.

The terrorist at the controls lowered the landing gear and pushed the throttles up to full power just before he slammed into our Pentagon. As you might imagine, the first moments were chaotic. Smoke and fire billowed out of the gaping hole left in the side of the building.

Pentagon workers rushed to the scene and immediately began rendering first aid. Our secretary of defense, along with countless others, joined in to help free those still in the building. At the same time that firemen were rushing into the WTC Towers, Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines were rushing into the flames to rescue their fallen comrades. How appropriate that we pause and remember that we never leave our fellow servicemen behind.

Hours after the attack at the Pentagon, relief agencies began arriving in New York City and Washington to offer assistance and expertise. At the Pentagon, we needed lighting to continue the rescue effort into the night.

Home Depot was there with two truckloads within minutes of the request. The rescue workers who had been at it all day were tired and in need of food and a place to rest. The Red Cross and Salvation Army were there with tents, grills, food and supplies. The first night, 5,000 meals were served.

The following morning, the trucks began arriving. McDondald's, Burger King, Outback Steakhouse -- "We're here to feed you," they said.

Two large trucks also arrived with a men's Christian group that had been driving all night from Alabama. "We have a revival tent and cook great gumbo" they said.

By midday, it was apparent we needed some organization for the many agencies showing up -- great Americans dropping everything to help their fellow citizens. By the end of the first full day after the attack, "Camp Unity" was born -- a miniature city at the south parking lot where workers could go for rest, relaxation and a good meal.

Three ladies who owned a barber shop closed down and brought all of their supplies to the camp on day three. "We can cut hair," they said.

How important that we pause to remember how we as a nation come together to help each other in times of need.

We remember the loss of so many who did not deserve to die on that fateful day. We remember the many heroes who risked everything they held dear to help their fellow man. We remember the way we, as a nation, came together to help each other when help was needed.

As we continue to deploy our fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines to contribute to the war on terrorism, let us also remember why we fight. We fight for the freedom of all people. We fight for liberty. We fight for justice. And we fight to make our world a better place for our children.

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your patriotism. I am proud to serve beside you as we pause together ... to remember.