9/11 Memorial

Ed Woidt, Patriot Guard Rider, looks at the B1-B Lancer static display during his attendance at the 9/11 memorial at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum Sept. 11. The Patriot Guard Riders stand the flag line to honor America's fallen heroes, veterans and present members who continue to serve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Corey Hook)

9/11 Memorial

Airmen 1st Class Ray Wahl and Tashe Majors-Newsom, Ellsworth Honor Guard members, fold the American Flag during the 9/11 memorial at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum on Sept. 11. The honor guard performed a flag-folding ceremony at the museum in honor of those lost seven years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Corey Hook)

9/11 Memorial

Ed Ruse, Patriot Guard rider, stands with other riders at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum during the 9/11 memorial Sept. 11. The Patriot Guard Riders stand the flag line to honor America's fallen heroes, veterans and present members who continue to serve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Corey Hook)

9/11 Memorial

Curtis Eisemeraum, Patriot Guard rider, holds a flag at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum during the National Anthem at the 9/11 memorial on Sept. 11. The memorial ceremony was performed to honor those who lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy and honor service members who have served and continue to serve since. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Corey Hook)

Museum observes Patriot Day with ceremony, exhibit

Published Sept. 12, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Joshua Stevens
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- A cool, steady breeze blew and the sun shone brightly over the South Dakota Air and Space Museum Sept. 11 during a memorial ceremony for the victims of the 9/11 attacks and those military members who have supported and continue to support today's war.

In opening remarks, Lt. Col. Norman Ellis, 28th Bomb Wing wing chaplain, encapsulated the feel of the event, stating quite simply "today we remember".

Remembrance seemed the woven theme throughout the event. Flanked on either side by lines of American flags held by riders of the Patriot Guard, a volunteer-based military appreciation organization, the event and its theme were reiterated by base leadership.

"Sept. 11 inspires remembrance," said Col. Peter Castor, 28 BW vice commander. "It brings the emotion back and reminds Airmen why they're fighting."

Lance Bultena, High Plains Region Patriot Guard captain and retired Air Force master sergeant, explained the importance of his and others participation in events such as this.

"To put it simply, the Patriot Guard is about respect." he said. "We do anything we can to show support and appreciation for those who make our freedom possible."

After the official ceremony and retiring of the colors by the Ellsworth Honor Guard, the new Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom exhibit was opened to the public.

Located just inside the museum's West Bay, the exhibit showcases memorabilia of many sorts. Most notable are three mannequins outfitted in various combat uniforms - an officer's desert flightsuit, an enlisted member's desert battle dress uniform and a firefighter's ensemble. Various unit patches, foreign currency and even a diorama of a B-1's show of force are encased in the display.

"The project has been in the works for about four months," said Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson, SDASM director. "The bulk of the items in the case were donated from active-duty members, themselves. The thing which makes this display different from the others is it will constantly evolve until the last person comes home."

One such active-duty member who contributed to the display spelled out the exhibit's importance.

"Being part of this project makes me feel good," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Cooper, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron distribution fuels supervisor. "This display is a testament to those who paid the ultimate price - they won't be forgotten."

Those interested in contributing to the exhibit need only to contact the SDASM. The museum welcomes submissions for any of its exhibits, which span from as early as the birth of aviation to today's conflicts in Southwest Asia.