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CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq (September 11, 2008) - Multinational Division
Baghdad soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division and their fellow
servicemembers and civilians gathered in front of the division's
headquarters today to honor and remember the people who lost their
lives seven years ago and the heroes who came forth to protect the
country in its time of need.
Army Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, commander of Multinational
Division Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division, was the keynote
speaker during the Ironhorse Division's Patriot Day observance.
"[Sept. 11, 2001] is a day that will live in infamy, just as the
attacks on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941," he said. "These attacks
were similar - they awoke our great nation and mobilized America's
credentials. It's what brought us here today and is the heart of
what we are doing now. Today, as we remember those we lost on Sept.
11, let's not forget the 89 MND-B soldiers we've lost since our
transition of authority."
Following Hammond's remarks, those gathered silently observed as
three wreaths were hung beneath large photographs depicting the
tragedies at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center and the crash
site of United Flight 93 in commemoration of the servicemembers,
rescue workers and civilians who lost their lives.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, senior enlisted leader of
Multinational Division Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division,
placed an American flag that was flown at Ground Zero in front of
the photo of the fallen Twin Towers, and then rendered honors. The
flag was presented to the soldiers and leaders of 4th Infantry
Division by firefighters of Ladder 10, Engine 10, Engine 24 and
Ladder 5 of the New York City Fire Department.
The flag is a sobering reminder of the tragic events that
claimed the lives of all of the firefighters from these ladders and
engines as they attempted to provide aid to their fellow
Americans.
The crowd then stood and solemnly held a salute while a lone
bugler from the 4th Infantry Division Band poignantly played
"Taps."
"Today's ceremony was outstanding," said Army Spc. Clint
Baltzly, a native of Canton, Ohio, who serves as a petroleum
specialist with Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery
Regiment, attached to the 4th Infantry Division Special Troops
Battalion. "The mood that was set and delivered was very
appropriate. It's important for us to remember and never forget the
tragic events of this day so that we don't take things for
granted."
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