Patrick-Cape remembers 9/11

A member of the 45th Space Wing Honor Guard plays Taps during the 9/11 Patriot Day remembrance ceremony at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 11, 2014. The ceremony paid tribute to those who lost their lives on that unforgettable day in American history. (U.S. Air Force photo/Matthew Jurgens) (Released)

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Patrick-Cape remembers 9/11

Father Michael DiRenzo, 45th Space Wing Catholic Priest, opened the memorial ceremony with a prayer. DiRenzo said we will not forget the events of that terrible morning nor will we forget how Americans responded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the skies over Pennsylvania -- with heroism and selflessness; with compassion and courage; and with prayer and hope. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Matthew Jurgens) (Released)

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Patrick-Cape remembers 9/11

Members of Team Patrick-Cape bow their heads in a moment of silence to honor the memory of each life. Ceremonies were planned around the nation on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which involved the loss of nearly 3,000 lives and collapse of the World Trade Center towers in New York City, and fatal airplane crashes that occurred at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Matthew Jurgens) (Released)

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Patrick-Cape remembers 9/11

Col. Shawn Fairhurst, 45th Space Wing vice commander, shares his remarks with Team Patrick-Cape during the 9/11 Patriot Day remembrance ceremony at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 11, 2014. Fairhust said that it is the recognition that we are a shining example for the world; and that we understand that Freedom isn't free--it is and won and sustained by Patriots who serve. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Matthew Jurgens) (Released)

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Patrick-Cape remembers 9/11

Capt. Jarvora Duncan, 45th Force Support Squadron, participates in the Patriot Day Remembrance 5K run at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., Sept. 11, 2014. Ceremonies were planned around the nation on the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which involved the loss of nearly 3,000 lives and collapse of the World Trade Center towers in New York City, and fatal airplane crashes that occurred at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Matthew Jurgens) (Released)

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Patrick-Cape remembers 9/11

Published Sept. 11, 2014
By Heidi Hunt
45th Space Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Members of Team Patrick-Cape attended a remembrance ceremony honoring those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attack, held Sept. 11, 2014, at the Memorial Plaza Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.

The Patriot Day ceremony opened with a prayer for the Nation given by Father Michael DiRenzo, 45th Space Wing Catholic Priest.

"On this observance of Patriot Day, we remember and honor those who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001," said DiRenzo. "We will not forget the events of that terrible morning nor will we forget how Americans responded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the skies over Pennsylvania -- with heroism and selflessness; with compassion and courage; and with prayer and hope."

Following the father's prayer, Col. Shawn Fairhurst, 45th Space Wing vice commander, shared his remarks with Team Patrick-Cape.

"We stand here today to recognize that 13 years ago, on this day, these men, women and children...these Americans did not die in vain," said Fairhurst. "We remember the images of that day and from this tragedy, we commit ourselves to never forget their sacrifice, their acts of heroism or the pride they brought forth across our great land.

"America's strength is our people and in our ideal that all men are created equal, with the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," he said.

Fairhust said that it is the recognition that we are a shining example for the world; and that we understand that Freedom isn't free--it is and won and sustained by Patriots who serve.

"I am honored and humbled to serve with you, in the greatest Air Force, for the greatest Nation the world has ever known," Fairhurst said.

Following his comments, the flag was lowered to half-mass, a traditional gun salute was given; and Taps was played as is tradition to pay tribute for Americans who have lost their lives.

A moment of silence to honor the memory of each life concluded the 9/11 remembrance ceremony.