An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

AMC Airmen observe 10th anniversary of 9/11 with retreat ceremony

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The overcast skies couldn't hide the brightness of the American flag as it was lowered from the base flagpole on the parade grounds here Sept. 9 during a retreat ceremony observing the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

One-hundred Airmen from Headquarters Air Mobility Command stood in two formations of 50 people each while the AMC Band of Mid-America observed the event with musical selections that signify remembrance.

Lt. Gen. Rusty Findley, AMC vice commander, was the featured speaker for the ceremony. In his recollection of the Sept. 11 events from 10 years ago, he recalled the "faces" of the many Airmen, families and others he has known in that time. He also recalled how it has been "3,650 days" since the Sept. 11 attacks.

"I think all know where you were and what you were doing 3,650 days ago," Findley said. "This day is our generation's Pearl Harbor. Many things have happened in those 3,650 days. Many things those of us wearing this uniform have been involved in and distinguished ourselves as we stood tall in the light of that tragic day and taken care of this flag and everything it stands for."

The ceremony also featured a bagpiper -- retired Navy Master Chief Ricardo Cumba -- playing "Amazing Grace," and the AMC band playing the order to "sound retreat" as well as the national anthem. As the national anthem played the Scott AFB Honor Guard lowered the flag. Upon completion of the song, the honor guard folded the flag, a chaplain provided some final words and the band played one last song.

Chief Master Sgt. Andy Kaiser, AMC's command chief master sergeant, participated in the ceremony and said it was an honor to do so.

"Having AMC Airmen in this ceremony is a great way to remember those people we lost on Sept. 11 and also a great way to recognize the mission we carry out every day since (the attacks) happened," Kaiser said. "It's also a reaffirmation to all of us on the importance of being an Airman and what we do every day."

The retreat ceremony serves a two-fold purpose, Air Force facts state. It signals the end of the official duty day and serves as a ceremony for paying respect to the flag. In this ceremony, it paid respect to the flag and the memory those on Sept. 11, 2001, and since.