Remembering and Honoring 9/11

It was 15 years ago today, Al Quida terrorists hijacked planes and attacked the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.  Another hijacked plane, Flight 93, was believed to be heading to the nation’s capital, but was brought down in Pennsylvania by its courageous passengers and crew attacking the hijackers.  Together, almost 3,000 people were killed and nearly 6,000 were injured.  This horrendous attack was not just aimed at passengers, business, and government employees, but at all Americans in all walks of life who were innocent victims of these terrorists.
 
On Friday noon, September 9, 2016 in the Phoenix Center, the Phoenix Company NJROTC cadets in their sharp cadet uniforms paused to honor those victims and responders who assisted to save lives with some even paying the ultimate sacrifice of losing their own lives in their efforts.  With the whole company in formation, our Senior Naval Science Instructor, LtCol Ron Eisel gave the opening remarks followed by readings from a speech by Jonathan Lee, and multi denominational prayers by Devon Garrido, Patrick Gamiao and  Joshua Sanchez.
 
The 15th year 9/11 commemoration solemnly included  a 21-gun salute provided by the Phoenix Company Honor Guard led by Lorenz Junio, Christopher Guerrero, Antonio Calvo, Christian Dela Cruz, Alvin Almira, Nathaniel Blanquisco, Matias Leon Guerrero and Kenny Chong. The ceremony concluded with a goose-bump feeling of patriotism as a soulful rendition of “TAPS” ended this event.