Cavalier AFS observes Patriot Day

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Brandy Benesch
  • 10th Space Warning Squadron
CAVALIER AIR FORCE STATION, N.D. --  In honor of the 14th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, Cavalier AFS held a Patriot Day ceremony in memory of those who were lost, their families, and our courageous service members, first responders, fellow citizens, and passengers in the air as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States.

About 100 community members gathered around the base flagpole to pay respect to the fallen and show their gratitude for the first responders. Law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics from the Cavalier and Walhalla area joined veterans and other community members to honor the fallen.

The ceremony included military traditions such as a 3-volley rifle salute led by the Park River American Legion, a last alarm ceremony by the Cavalier AFS Fire Chief, and playing of Taps in recognition of the fallen first responders. The day concluded with the playing of the national anthem and retiring the colors with a four-person flag detail.

Lt. Col. John Koehler II, 10th Space Warning Squadron commander, delivered a moving speech, discussing how this event touches our lives every day and encouraged those in attendance to continue to show a deeper level of patriotism and National pride.

"As a community of people who have chosen to serve this nation and our communities, we remember 9/11 and those who have given their lives on that day and in the 14 years since, best by coming together at ceremonies like this, telling our stories, living safer and richer lives in the face of the threat," he said.

Koehler added, "When first responders went to provide aid and assistance, they didn't only help those that looked like them. They didn't stop to ask a person's religion. They didn't check their political affiliation. They saw a person in need of help."

This memorial was planned and coordinated by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Thompson and Staff Sgt. Sara Johnson. Key participants included the Cavalier AFS Fire Chief, Joe Roberts, a detail of the 10th Space Warning Squadron's military members and first responders led by Master Sgt. Steven Baumann, narrator Tech. Sgt. Richard Swank, and a flag detail including 2nd Lt. Timothy Osborn, Staff Sgt. Sarah Byelick, Staff Sgt. Joel Lyons, and Senior Airman Matthew Mcculloch.