WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- 445th Reserve Citizen Airmen came together Sept. 10, 2023 at Heritage Park outside Bldg 4010 to reflect and honor those who lost their lives during the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. Col. Mike Baker, 445th Operations Group commander, gave opening remarks to begin the ceremony.
Former 445th Airlift Wing member and superintendent of both the 445th Airlift Wing Honor Guard Program and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard Program Master Sgt. (ret.) Mark Lyle, gave remarks about how he was affected by the tragedy that unfolded that day and it included the birth of his son, Senior Airman Brooks Lyle, 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron.
Senior Airman Lyle came up to the podium and shared these words with the audience; “As we remember the lives lost and the countless heroes who emerged from the ashes of that devastating day, let us renew our commitment to serve and safeguard the principles our nation holds dear, freedom, unity and resilience. Let us continue to stand strong against adversity standing shoulder to shoulder, united in purpose just as we did in the aftermath of 9/11. To all those who have lost loved ones on this day, know that we stand with you in solidarity and remembrance. May we never forget the lessons of September 11th, and may our actions today and every day honor the memory of those we lost.”
The remembrance ceremony concluded with the 445th Honor Guard performing a 21-gun salute followed by Taps.