I remember

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. John Wood
  • 436th AW command chief master sergeant
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  I remember. I was a master sergeant working in the 31st Maintenance Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy. 

I remember one of my Airmen running into my office telling me that an aircraft had just flown into the World Trade Center. We quickly went to the break room to see what T.V. coverage we could find. We were watching the news coverage when the second aircraft hit the second tower ... we looked at each other in disbelief, we knew this couldn't be an accident! 

I remember. The various emotions displayed, and all the emotions I felt. The shock that someone had attacked my country, the disbelief that human beings could conceive and carry out such an act, the fear for my family and what might happen to us now, and the sorrow for all who lost a loved one on that fateful September day. 

With the television full of remembrances for Sept. 11, I experience those feelings all over again. I imagine it is similar to what many Americans feel on Dec. 7, as they remember the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 

Just as our parents and grandparents remember the attack on Pearl Harbor, I don't expect these memories or feelings to fade as time passes. It is important that we all remember. Regardless of what you feel when you see images of the World Trade Center falling, the Pentagon smoldering or some nondescript field on fire, reflect on what happened. Reflect, and remember that your service and your dedication to this nation is stopping it from happening again. 

Remember that you are your nation's sword and shield, its sentry and avenger. Too often we can get wrapped up in the mundane aspects of our day-to-day jobs, and forget the larger picture. We stand at the forefront to ensure that no more lives are lost to the madness we witnessed seven years ago. 

All too often we can get swept up in the daily routine, moving cargo, fixing aircraft, deploying Airmen and delivering freedom. The heroic tasks you perform each day can become routine, and your confidence and commitment can waver. Remembering how you felt on Sept. 11 can bolster your courage and remind you of how important it is for us to carry on. 

I remember. I remember after the shock, the disbelief, the fear and the sorrow, the pride that I felt as I saw my fellow Americans stand up and support each other. Just as people were rushing out of the buildings, brave men and women were running toward the flames. The strength to run toward the flames is what made me proud, and I see that strength in the quality of our Airmen every day.