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Installation commander Army Col. Brad Eungard opened the event, asking the audience to remember the words offered by President George W. Bush in response to the September 11, 2011, terror attacks, “We will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail.” Eungard stressed to the audience that the day honors not only those citizens and first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, but also those service responders that risk their lives every day for the safety of the country’s citizens.

During his remarks, Congressman Perry reflected on how the day often brings about “conflicting emotions.” “I can remember exactly what I was doing 16 years ago. The nation was awakened from a slumber. I remember feeling hopelessness- What can I do? What should I do? I had feelings of outright rage and anger. But it’s appropriate to forgive. It’s also appropriate not to forget.”

Concluding his remarks, Perry reminded the audience of the way the country came together following the attack, and asked that everyone recognize that the country works best in unison. “Think about our country and how we came together when we chose to- and it is a choice. It doesn’t take a tragedy. We love what we have in this country and it’s worth fighting for; it’s worth coming together for.”

The event closed with a field cross ceremony performed by the American Legion Riders, Post 143 and a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace.”