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Remembering 9/11: Shaw honors American heroes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley Gardner
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Team Shaw hosted a 5k memorial run and a remembrance service Sept. 11, 2014, here, dedicated to those who had fallen during 9/11.

On Sept. 11, 2001, four commercial U.S. jetliners were hijacked by 19 al-Qaeda terrorists, who deliberately crashed two planes into the World Trade Center and a third into the Pentagon. After learning of the attacks, passengers and crew members on the fourth plane attempted to take back control, and the plane crashed into an empty field in Pennsylvania.

On the 13th anniversary of the attacks approximately 60 Team Shaw members participated in a 3.1 mile run on the flightline.

"This is the first time that we've been able to run on the flightline," said Master Sgt. Micki Kistler, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit first sergeant. "It was awesome to get everybody out there and actually run where our jets take off and land."

The Airmen took pride in running for the fallen and each step was taken in their memory, explained Kistler.

Following the race approximately 40 people gathered at the Shaw fire department to extend the remembrance of the fallen and those who gave their lives for others on 9/11.

"Each firefighter was a hero," said Lt. Col Christopher Carter, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "Each one was a warrior, they were all fighters, I can't think of a more fitting place to honor the firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice."


During the ceremony a flag was folded and laid on a displayed set of turnout gear to remember the 343 firefighters who lost their lives during the tragic event.


"Never forget," is the phrase used to acknowledge all those who gave their life that day.

"'Never forget' means a lot to me personally", said Senior Airman Jonathan Kidd 20th CES driver. "As time passes people tend to forget the acts of heroism that saved countless lives, not just those of the fire fighters but those of all the first responders. If we forget those men and women, I believe we'd do them a great dishonor. So if we continue to "never forget" we can continuously give the responders who paid the ultimate sacrifice the honor and respect they truly deserve."