Team Barksdale comes together for 9/11 ceremony

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Micaiah Anthony
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  At 8:46 a.m. Sept. 11, 2001, an aircraft flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center kicking off a series of devastating events that changed the nation forever.

Barksdale Airmen, civilians, retirees and dependents gathered in front of the base flag pole for 'Reveille' Wednesday to remember the events that took place and honor those who lost their lives on that day.

"I was walking in the parking lot when a gentleman walked up to me and said there is a fire at the Pentagon," said Chief Master Sgt. Gary Hunkins, 2nd Mission Support Group chief enlisted manager. "I didn't think much of it at the time, and within a matter of minutes, I got into my car and listened to the radio and heard we were attacked. I just sat their numb."

Barksdale played a huge role that day, as President George W. Bush addressed the nation from the base.

"The resolve of our great nation is being tested, but make no mistake, we will show the world that we will pass this test," said Bush in his address to the nation.

According to Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, Team Barksdale passed the test.

"Three weeks later, the 2nd Bomb Wing dropped the first weapons in the War on Terror," said Gebara. "Over the last twelve years we have been continually tested, like the 578 Barksdale Airmen deployed today in a cause greater than themselves."

Annually, U.S. military installations around the world take time to remember and honor not only those who lost their lives during the events of 9/11, but the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice during military operations as a result of that day.

For Barksdale, 'Taps' was not played during the ceremony, instead the 'National Anthem' and 'Reveille' were sounded to mark the beginning of a new day.

"The day is not done," said Gebara. "Our brothers and sisters would want us to sound the call of the sunrise. Thanks to them and their actions, it is going to be a great day."