DVIDS – News – USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

The USS Ronald Reagan, the only forward deployed aircraft carrier of the US Navy, held a 9/11 wreath laying ceremony to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The ceremony took place on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks as Ronald Reagan continues his mission in the Arabian Sea, operating and training alongside regional and coalition partners.

The ceremony, which brought together a crowd of observing sailors, consisted of speeches by the commander and the command chaplain. The honor guard presented flags and the rifle platoon fired a 21-gun salute, while a trumpeter played tap dancing while throwing the wreath into the sea.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class James Cook took a position of honor during the ceremony by performing “tapping”, a military tradition marking hours of rest, as the wreath fell on the waves.

“Being able to tap dance as a musician for a ceremony like this, and the people who were there, that was something special,” said Cook. “September 11 happened a long time ago, so it’s important to honor it and keep it in mind. “

Many sailors gathered to watch and pray during the short but powerful ceremony, in honor of those who lost their lives. For Ronald Reagan, remembering the past is part of the mission.

“The rest of the nation takes time to remember September 11 on the 20th anniversary of that tragic day,” said Cmdr. David Kim, Ronald Reagan’s command chaplain. “We hold ceremonies like this to stay connected to our history and to our fellow Americans, many of whom are still healing from the losses suffered that day. Much of what we do as an army to combat terrorism and violent extremist organizations, especially in [the U.S.] The 5th Fleet area of ​​operations (AOO) is never to let an attack like this happen again.

As master of ceremonies, Kim paid tribute to the men and women who worked at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on that fateful morning. He also remembered the first responders who voluntarily faced the danger and those on board Flight 93 who fought back against the terrorists who attempted to take control of their aircraft.

“It is important to honor the dead, those who have been targeted and who have died for no reason other than being on a plane. [or] working on American soil, to remind us who and what we are called to protect: our fellow citizens and our way of life, ”said Kim. “It is important to honor those who rushed into these buildings or who gave their lives to prevent their aircraft from being used to kill more people, to draw inspiration from their courage and heroism.”

It can be easy to forget what it takes to protect the freedoms Americans hold dear. Memorial ceremonies such as the 9/11 Memorial help Americans everywhere. At home, abroad and even at sea, they pay tribute to those who are lost and thank those who fight around the world to promote peace and stability.

Ronald Reagan is a warship made up of many departments that have different individual roles, but come together to accomplish a singular mission. This mission, according to Kim, carries a heavy weight that gives meaning to every task sailors perform on a daily basis.

“The Navy as an organization is not just made up of individuals, but an organization that has a collective history and a shared history. Our past, our traditions, everything contributes to the way we carry out our duties on a daily basis. We represent ourselves and those who have come before us, ”Kim said.

Some of the crew aboard Ronald Reagan recall watching on the news two planes hit the Twin Towers, then a third hit the nation’s capital. Some were there to witness the horror unfold firsthand. Then others weren’t even born yet – yet Americans everywhere remain forever changed by 9/11.

“I am from New York. I lost a friend in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. I know many people whose lives were changed by this event, including mine, but I know that many sailors do don’t remember it at all, “Kim said.” We need to share our stories, not only to spread the pain, but also the inspiration that came from that time. A nation stood up to say, ‘N ‘never forget. Never again.’ ”

During the ceremony, Ronald Reagan’s Commanding Officer delivered remarks to remind the crew why the attack deserves a crown – why the sacrifice of American lives deserved to be remembered.

“When we fell asleep on the night of September 11, we cried in pain, we felt vulnerable and our self-confidence was shaken,” said Captain Fred Goldhammer, commanding officer of Ronald Reagan. “But when the sun rose again the next morning over our nation, we arose. Our identity as the American people was cemented, and a deep sense of oneness could be felt wherever you went … And so, today, 20 years after that terrible day, we should never forget the memories and the bravery of those we have lost, but neither should we forget the common bond that unites Americans. For Americans, September 11 is a national day of remembrance and a national day of unity. It is a day that demands that we never forget who we are, what we stand for and the greatness of which we are capable as “one nation, under God, indivisible with freedom and justice for all” .