RAF ALCONBURY, England -- Members of the 501st Combat Support Wing community gathered together today for a moment of reflection during the National Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony at RAF Alconbury and RAF Croughton, England. The ceremonies were conducted as a tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks which occurred on Sept. 11, 2001 as well as the survivors and those who rose up in service in response to the attacks.
During the ceremony Col William Bestermann, director of AFRICOM J-2M, stated a few lessons that he learned as his military unit responded to the attack at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
"Number one: There is evil in this world; our enemies are ruthless and they have to be stopped. Lesson number two: There is bravery in this world and we honor that here today with our military. On that day first responders, military, police, firefighters and air traffic controllers all came to the aid of fellow Americans. Some of those responders made the ultimate sacrifice."