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The 13th anniversary of the September 11 attack on our nation dawned early with our military.
Early this morning, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel along with the President and other dignitaries observed the anniversary at the Pentagon Memorial, Arlington, Virginia.
This is some of what the Secretary of Defense had to say about those who lost their lives that day at the Pentagon:
“We will never forget what happened on this day, at this hour, in this place – an act of terror that shook the world and took the lives of 184 Americans.
Today, we remember those we lost on that day – this day – as we are surrounded by those who loved them. We celebrate our nation’s strength and resilience, surrounded by those who embody it… and we draw inspiration from the ways in which survivors and victims’ families continue to honor their legacy.
Our thoughts also turn to others whose lives were forever changed that day:
• the first responders and survivors, whose heroism and resilience we celebrate;
• the Pentagon personnel who came to work the next day with a greater sense of determination than ever before;
• and the men and women in uniform who have stepped forward to defend our country over 13 long years of war, bearing incredible sacrifices along with their families.
We live at a time of many complicated challenges. But America has always faced challenges and we have always responded as a nation united in purpose, woven together in a fabric of strong character and resounding commitment to each other, and to our country.”
He then introduced the President.
Listen to the President’s words at minute 36 of the video below.
The 13th anniversary dawned even earlier on our troops who are still in combat as a result of that dastardly attack, in places such as Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan.
Coalition forces salute the U.S. flag during a 9/11 ceremony on Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2014. The ceremony was held to commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The lead image shows the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial as the sun set yesterday on the eve of the 13th anniversary.
The following images are of the same memorial earlier this morning awaiting the honors to be bestowed this morning on those who died at the Pentagon 13 years ago.
Lights illuminate the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial at the Pentagon, Sept. 10, 2014. The memorial was created to remember and honor those lost during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley
Dawn at the Pentagon Memorial prior to a ceremony to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon.(U.S. Navy photo by Damon J. Moritz)
Today we honor the thousands of civilians, first responders and military who lost their lives on September 11, but let us also remember the thousands of servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the years following 9/11.
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.