Airmen march to remember 9/11

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley J. Woolridge
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  While most Americans commemorate the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9/11 by observing a moment of silence, whispering a prayer for those who lost a loved one, or spending quality time with their family, others choose to remember that fateful day a little differently.

More than 150 Ellsworth Airmen, Air Force civilians and emergency responders completed an 11-mile rucksack march Sept. 8, to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11, and those who have given their lives in service to their country in the years since.

Staff Sgt. Glenn Marcy, 28th Security Forces Squadron training instructor and event organizer, said he knows how important it is to never forget what happened 11 years ago.

"The anniversary really hits home for me," Marcy, who was a resident of New York City during 9/11, said. "I had several friends lose their lives either in the attacks on 9/11, or in the operations that have gone on since then. Doing this march is something that we can do to give back. We can never forget those who have fought and died for our freedom."

The march began on base and ended in the Rushmore Crossing shopping center, but those who participated made a special stop along the way. Airmen rendered salutes and civilians covered their hearts as a 50-foot American flag was raised, and then lowered to half-staff, while Senior Airman Janyll Pialur, 28th SFS response force member, sang the National Anthem. Those present stared in awe or cheered with pride at the sight of the flag waving in the brisk, South Dakota wind before continuing on their journey of remembrance.

Airman 1st Class Wintera Jones, 28th Force Support Squadron personnel technician, is new to Ellsworth and was encouraged to participate by a fellow Airman.

"It was hard, but it was very empowering," Jones said. "It's important to do things like this so people don't forget how far we've come. It makes us more united. I know there are a lot of people who wish they could march for a cause like this, and I'm thankful I was able to do it."

At the conclusion of the march, Airmen and their families were given the chance to take part in the Fourth Annual Disaster Awareness and Safety Day organized by the Rapid City Pennington County Emergency Management Office. While there, Col. Thomas Goulter, 28th Mission Support Group commander, spoke about the unity 9/11 has fostered among all military servicemembers.

"It was a long march, but it gave you the time to think about why you're doing it and why you joined the military," Goulter said. "It was worth it. A lot of the people out here today joined after 9/11, for the sole purpose of serving their country. We should always remember that the U.S. was attacked, and that Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen have all been doing their job to ensure our safety and freedom."

Marcy said although he was unable to participate in the first rucksack march last year, he is thankful to have been able to march alongside his fellow Defenders this year.

"I felt those 11 miles, but it gave me a lot of time to think about the cause and that helped me to push through and persevere," Marcy said. "Sometimes we do things for selfish reasons, but this was something we could do to give back and make sure people never forget that a lot of lives have been lost. I'm glad to be a part of something so phenomenal."