March remembers 9/11 tragedy, honors the fallen Published Sept. 17, 2007 By LaGina Jackson 452 AMW/PA MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, millions of people watched in terror as thousand of lives were taken during terrorist attacks against the country. Exactly six years later, March Air Reserve Base held a full capacity "interfaith 9-11 service" at the base chapel to commemorate the unforgettable event. "I felt violated. There was anger there," said Senior Master Sgt. Helena McGhee, 452nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, about her feelings on that infamous day. During the service, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Francis E. Lowe, 452nd Air Mobility Wing, reminded the congregation what happened and gave a message of gratitude and renewal. Chaplain Lowe encouraged participants to be gracious because God revealed his presence in the midst of that evil. The historical moments of the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon, New York's Twin Towers and United 93's sacrifice will forever be on our minds. The service's scripture reading, Genesis 1: 1-26, was selected, "because it very explicitly tells the story of creation with the emphasis on how God brought order out of chaos," said Chaplain Lowe. The Chaplain reminded the attendees how our nation made an effect to pull together at fighting global terrorism. His reflection of gratitude was in reference to United 93's prevention of more deaths, the grounding of all aircraft and the heroic first response of the firefighters. Attendees took time to reflect on those events six years ago as they bowed their heads for a moment of silence and prayer. Master Sgt. Larry Burns, 452nd Air Mobility Wing Chaplain's Assistant, remembers his heart crushing as he watched the second airplane go into the tower. Today, he thinks our country is strong and will persevere against terrorism. Elaine Plein, chief of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing Protocol Office, remembers hearing about the two airplanes going into the Twin Towers as she drove to work. After arriving at work, Mrs. Plein quickly turned on her office television. She said she felt several emotions as she cried while watching the attacks to our country. After the benediction, the participants assembled outside the chapel to watch in silence as the base firefighters rang the ceremonial bell. Fire Chief Jeffrey Konersman, 452nd Air Mobility Wing Fire Department, explained that the time honored tradition was a special code used to transmit to every fire station when a firefighter had died in the line of duty. "That signal was five measured dashes and a pulse, then another five measure dashes and a pulse, then five more dashes," he said, explaining that each dash represented firefighters who lost their lives heroically trying to save the lives of the Twin Towers' victims. As silence continued, the attendees turned to witness the Blue Eagles Honor Guard, conduct a 21-gun salute and taps. The custom of the three volley rifle salute rendered by a military firing party is one that is as old as the profession of arms. Traditionally, a firing party was used to indicate to an opposing force that the duty of burying the dead was complete and that battle was ready to commence again. Today, the tradition of three volleys, though obscured by time, continues to be used as a final farewell to military members who served this country with the pride and honor. The attendees somberly walked away from the chapel as the flag flew in the distance at half staff and the memorial ceremony concluded.