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Photo Information

AL ASAD, Iraq ? Corporal Scott E. Hutchings, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, plays taps during a Patriot Day service at Al Asad, Iraq. Patriot Day remembers those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Sheila M. Brooks

Al Asad remembers 9/11

10 Sep 2005 | Cpl. James D. Hamel 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

Marines, Soldiers and Sailors gathered in the Al Asad, Iraq, base theater to celebrate Patriot Day, Sept. 10, a day of remembrance for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.“Four years have passed since our country was brutally attacked on a quiet September morning. On that day, thousands of innocent lives were taken from us,” said President George W. Bush in a presidential proclamation. “The victims and the families who lost loved ones remain in the hearts and prayers of our nation.”Colonel George R. Harris, commander of the 326th Area Support Group based at Al Asad, spoke at the ceremony and compared the patriots of the past to those serving today.“Today’s patriots include military of all services,” he told the gathered crowd. “We are a family of 21st century patriots.”He mentioned the fight of today in the context of the United States’ past wars for liberty.“(September 11, 2001) proved that our freedoms are at risk,” he said. “And on (that day), the American people said, ‘we’ve had enough.’”He also applauded the Iraqis and Afghans fighting to establish their own democracy.“We fight to support patriots of new nations in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “Our path to victory is through the Iraqis. The patriots here in Iraq will continue on as our forefathers did.”The service concluded with a memorial video of Sept. 11, 2001, the playing of taps and a military medley played by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.“The birth of freedom is what we’re all here for,” Harrison said. “You are all patriots. I know this because you are here (in Iraq).”
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing