Remarks by Col. James Jacobson at the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Transit Center at Manas

September 11, 2011

I thank you all for joining us today as we commemorate the anniversary of September 11, 2001.  We, at the Transit Center, are honored to have you as our guests.  Thank you.

Today marks 10 years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 on American soil.  Even though the terrorists' objective was to kill as many Americans as possible, people from more than 90 different countries died in the World Trade Center that day.  It is a day that many around the world cannot and will not ever forget.

On that day, I remember being on duty at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, at 8:46 am on September 11th, 2001.  McGuire sits just 50 miles from downtown New York City.  I remember the perfectly blue sky as I went to work that day.  I remember hearing someone in the office tell me to turn on the television because a plane hit the world trade center.  I remember, as a pilot, thinking I could not comprehend how another pilot could hit the tallest building in New York City on a perfectly clear day.

I remember at 9:03 am, standing in shock as the television showed a second aircraft fly into the south tower of the World Trade Center.  I remember the incredulous gasp of a shocked co-worker as the only sound piercing the silent astonishment that had blanketed the room.  I remember the television newscaster telling America that smoke was now rising from the Pentagon.  I remember straining to pull myself away from the television and struggling to comprehend what had become obvious...America was under attack.  I remember learning a day later that a fourth airplane had crashed in Pennsylvania after the passengers fought to prevent it.

I remember working to put us air force aircraft in the skies over America's east coast that very same day.  I remember our team working for nearly 30 days straight, enabled by our spouses who delivered food at night so we could continue the effort to defend America against further attack.  I remember President Bush's arrival at McGuire Air Force Base, watching him fly away on a helicopter for his first visit to "Ground Zero," and watching his famous bullhorn speech atop a pile of debris.  I remember.

Today, we know America and the world have changed in the years following September 11th.

In these 10 years, I have learned that America is a resilient country.  In spite of all that befell our nation 10 years ago today, the American people did not waver.  Just as previous generations overcame profound tests of will and adversity, this generation of Americans has done the same.

In these 10 years, I have learned that America's sons and daughters are truly amazing individuals.  They were not drafted into military service; they are volunteers in the fight for freedom.  Most of those in uniform today in America's armed forces were not serving on September 11, 2001.  They joined in the days, weeks, and years that followed.  While we in America often tout our World War II generation as our "Greatest Generation," history will find a title befitting these incredible Americans and their decade-long sacrifice.  I think the devotion of this generation, in some of the most extreme circumstances, will mark them as the "Patriotic Generation."

In these 10 years, I have learned that our partners are critical to promoting and ensuring security and stability across the globe.  I have learned that America has many friends in this struggle.  And no nation has been a more steadfast friend than Kyrgyzstan.  As the international effort to defeat terrorism and bring stability to Afghanistan continues, Kyrgyzstan serves a critical host to all soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines from many nations who pass through this Transit Center on their way to Afghanistan or on their way home.  I would like to express our sincerest thanks to the Kyrgyz government and the Kyrgyz people for their support to this international effort.

Thank you to all who made this ceremony possible.  Thanks again to you all for attending today's ceremony.  Your presence here honors those who died on September 11th.  Just as important, your presence stands as an example of the power of nations to collaborate to achieve common goals.  On this ten-year anniversary, as we remember the tragic events of that day, let us be thankful for our continued work together to make this world safer and stronger for our families today and our children tomorrow.