LANGLEY AFB, VA. –
More than 25 members of the Langley Fire Department held a memorial Monday to honor firefighters who perished in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The service began just before 10 a.m. to coincide with the collapse of the south tower of the World Trade Center, which occurred at exactly 9:59 a.m. the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.
"Sept. 11, 2001, was supposed to be a normal day for all, including the New York Fire Department and New York Police Department," said Senior Airman Isaac Garcia, event coordinator. "However, at 8:46 a.m., everything changed."
Langley firefighters stood at attention as the bells were sounded, three sets of five, to honor the firefighters who fell during the three attacks.
"Being in a firehouse, we know those are our fallen brothers," Airman Garcia said. "It's a tragedy, but at the same time it's our job to risk our lives for others."
Capt. Cliff Jones, 1st Mission Support Group chaplain, told the assembled firefighters the attack, while shocking, still failed.
"On 9-11, we were attacked, but not destroyed," he said. "Wounded, but not defeated. Today, on the fifth anniversary, we take time to honor those who died."
Airman Garcia said the attack reinforced what every firefighter already knows.
"You never know what the situation will bring," he said. "The only thing you can do is wake up and give it your all for the whole shift."