Soldiers and civilians gathered on Arsenal Island today (Tues) to honor those who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. A wreath-laying at the Island's 9-11 memorial and the playing of Taps commemorated not only the victims of the attacks, but the soldiers who have died in the wars since then.
Brigadier General Brian Layer (Lair) was the keynote speaker and recounted what it was like being in the Pentagon during the attack.
" And then moments later, whoomf! What was that? No, not here. Then smoke. Then yelling. Then chaos. Then fear, sadness. The lingering disappointment of knowing to do what we'd sworn to do. Defend the country against all enemies"
General Layer served in Iraq after 9-11 and earned the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He recently retired after serving his last two years with the Army Sustainment Command on Arsenal Island.
This morning the Island also hosted a memorial walk which began and ended at the Twin Towers memorial.