Airmen gather

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. - The American and Canadian flags stand tall in front of the 9/11 Memorial at the International Peace Garden in Dunseith, N.D., which borders Canada and the United States. The memorial is made of pieces of the World Trade Center. Approximately 400 individuals from Minot AFB, surrounding North Dakota communities, and Canada gathered in front of the memorial for a service to honor the thousands of men and women who were tragically killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cassandra Jones)

Base participates in 9/11 memorial service and freedom walk

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. - Led by a bagpiper and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a group of Americans and Canadians, including almost 20 Airmen and spouses from Minot AFB, proceed to the 9/11 Memorial at the International Peace Garden in Dunseith, N.D., for a remembrance service Sept. 11. Approximately 400 people from the base, surrounding North Dakota communities, and Canada gathered to pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who were tragically killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cassandra Jones)

Airmen gather

Remembering Sept. 11 at International Peace Garden

Published Sept. 12, 2008
By 2nd Lt. Kidron B. Vestal
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The theme "freedom from fear" echoed throughout a tree-lined corridor of the International Peace Garden in Dunseith, N.D., Sept. 11, as approximately 400 people gathered to attend a nationally joint ceremony to memorialize the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Overall, the U.S.- Canadian ceremony emphasized the "strength of the human spirit," as noted by Merv Tweed, a parliament seat-holder in Brandon, Manitoba, who helped open the ceremony.

Senior Airman Anthony Norwood of the 5th Munitions Squadron said it was a beautiful ceremony and a great tribute was made to our heroes who fell during the tragic events of 9/11.

Keynote speaker Dr. Earl Beal said it was important to use "real names and real lives" in the remembrance of the events of 9/11 to help reinforce the "human spirit."

Speakers also touched on the strong bond between the U.S. and Canada.

Bonnie Korzeniowski, a member of the Manitoba, Canada, legislature, said the two nations are "the most vibrant democratic organizations in the world."

Additionally, state Sen. Richard Marcellais said, "The U.S. shares common values with Canada," and that in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, "Our northern friends grieved with us."

Many who attended the event were impressed by the proceedings.

"I thought the ceremony was a great way to remember 9/11 and what pride I have as an American," said Cassandra Rosales, wife of Airman 1st Class Joshua Rosales, Minot AFB public affairs.

In addition to the group from here, a few of the attending organizations included the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Army National Guard and Veterans of Foreign Wars.