Today marks the 20th Anniversary of September 11th 2001 — a tragic day in our history that we will never forget. For two decades, uniformed members and their families have recognized a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. when American Airlines Flight 11 flew into the North Tower. That instant altered our nation and the core mission of the U.S. military more profoundly than any moment since the attack on Pearl Harbor. Since that day, Ramstein has served as our nation’s Global Gateway — a critical transit and staging hub for sending troops and equipment and for receiving and caring for service members wounded in the fight.
On 9.11 we remember the service members, civilians, and families lost in the Pentagon, in the Twin Towers, and in the United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania on that fateful day. We also remember the first responders that perished in New York City, who lived by the same ethos of service and sacrifice that we do — the urge to rush toward the chaos to help and protect others. In acts of true heroism, these individuals became a lifeline of hope for people who needed help. Much like the remarkable work that you all have undertaken in the last month to assist the men, women, and children from Afghanistan who need a safe place to rest while waiting for a flight to their next destination.
The attacks also renewed the value of alliances and partnerships, including the value of our alliance with NATO and with our German hosts.
We are a powerful and compassionate Air Force that continues to do so much good for so many. Please use this day to reflect on the importance of what you and your families do for our nation and its allies. Each and every one of you are saving lives and making a difference. Thank you for serving and keeping our country safe. I am humbled to serve beside you.
– Brig. Gen. Josh Olson
86th Airlift Wing commander
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander, salutes the flag during the 9/11 memorial ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, September 10, 2021. The display commemorated the 344 firefighters and paramedics who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexcia Givens)
U.S. Air Force Airmen march forward to display a wreath at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, September 10, 2021. Airmen displayed a wreath in memoriam of the many lives lost on September 11, 2001. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexcia Givens)
U.S. Air Force Airmen bow their heads during a prayer at the 9/11 memorial ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, September 10, 2021. The ceremony was held to commemorate the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexcia Givens)
A U.S. Air Force Airman rang a bell three times for the lives lost from the 9/11 attacks during a ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, September 10, 2021. Twenty years ago, nearly 3,000 lives were lost after four planes were hijacked. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexcia Givens)
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Team Ramstein,
Today marks the 20th Anniversary of September 11th 2001 — a tragic day in our history that we will never forget. For two decades, uniformed members and their families have recognized a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. when American Airlines Flight 11 flew into the North Tower. That instant altered our nation and the core mission of the U.S. military more profoundly than any moment since the attack on Pearl Harbor. Since that day, Ramstein has served as our nation’s Global Gateway — a critical transit and staging hub for sending troops and equipment and for receiving and caring for service members wounded in the fight.
On 9.11 we remember the service members, civilians, and families lost in the Pentagon, in the Twin Towers, and in the United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania on that fateful day. We also remember the first responders that perished in New York City, who lived by the same ethos of service and sacrifice that we do — the urge to rush toward the chaos to help and protect others. In acts of true heroism, these individuals became a lifeline of hope for people who needed help. Much like the remarkable work that you all have undertaken in the last month to assist the men, women, and children from Afghanistan who need a safe place to rest while waiting for a flight to their next destination.
The attacks also renewed the value of alliances and partnerships, including the value of our alliance with NATO and with our German hosts.
We are a powerful and compassionate Air Force that continues to do so much good for so many. Please use this day to reflect on the importance of what you and your families do for our nation and its allies. Each and every one of you are saving lives and making a difference. Thank you for serving and keeping our country safe. I am humbled to serve beside you.
– Brig. Gen. Josh Olson
86th Airlift Wing commander