Osan Airmen honor 9/11 responders

Airman 1st Class William Lemon, 36th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, tells his story of events that took place during 9/11 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2020. This remembrance ceremony pays tribute to the brave men and women, including the 343 firefighters, 23 police officers, 37 port authority officers and eight medical personnel, who sacrificed their lives that day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Branden Rae)

Team Osan salutes during the presentation of the colors at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2020. The 51st Civil Engineer Squadron’s Fire Department rendered honors in a custom known as “striking the four fives.” The practice includes ringing a bell five times, repeated four times with a slight pause between each series. This signifies a firefighter has died in the line of duty, or an important official or personage died. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Branden Rae)

Osan Airmen honor 9/11 responders

A ceremonial bell and firefighter gear displays at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2020. Patriot Day commemorates the men and women who lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93 and in battles against Al-Qaeda which followed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Branden Rae)

Osan Airmen honor 9/11 responders

Honor Guard stands ready to present colors at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2020. Ceremonies throughout the Air Force and around the world took place to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11, where 2,977 people lost their life. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Branden Rae)

Osan Airmen honor 9/11 responders

U.S. Air Force Col. John Gonzales, 51st Fighter Wing commander, places names of those who lost their lives during 9/11 on a remembrance board at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2020. Patriot Day commemorates the men and women who lost during the 9/11 attacks and in battles against Al-Qaeda which followed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

Osan Airmen honor 9/11 responders

Airman 1st Class William Lemon, 36th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, tells his story of events from 9/11 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2020. The ceremony was held to honor and pay tribute to the victims of the attacks that we will never forget. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

Osan Airmen honor 9/11 responders

Team Osan participates in a stair climb at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2020. The 51st Civil Engineer Squadron’s Fire Department hosted Patriot Day in honor of the sacrifices made by emergency responders during the attacks that occurred during 9/11. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

Osan Airmen honor 9/11 responders

U.S. Air Force Col. John Gonzales, 51st Fighter Wing commander, puts on firegear to participate in the stair climb event at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2020. The day marked the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack that claimed the lives of approximately 3,000 people and injured thousands more. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Noah Sudolcan)

Osan Airmen honor 9/11 responders

Published Sept. 11, 2020
By Senior Airman Branden Rae
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

The 51st Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department hosted Patriot Day to commemorate emergency responders who sacrificed their lives during the 9/11 attacks.

In honor of those who lost their lives that day, Team Osan paid tribute by participating in a memorial ceremony and stair climb at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea Sept. 11, 2020.

For one Airman, and first responder, the day hit closer to home as he faced the tragic events that ensued on 9/11 in New York City. Airman 1st Class William Lemon, 36th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief, recalled the events that led him to join the Air Force.

“I turned just in time to see as tower two collapsed and the World Trade Center was no more,” said Lemon. “After seeing tower two collapse the first thing that went through my mind was, how many fellow firefighters did we just lose?”

“This is one of the reasons I’m here today, as a fellow Airman, to be able to serve and tell you my story about that tragic day,” added Lemon.

After the ceremony ended, guests and first responders were encouraged to participate in a stair climb, commemorating the 110 stories emergency responders ascended during the WTC’s Twin Tower rescue efforts.

All around the Air Force, men and women honor those who lost their lives during this event and express how Americans have overcome adversity through persistent resilience amidst hard times.

“Our Nation was attacked on 11 September 2001, by terrorists who endeavored to sow fear and despair into American hearts and minds,” Barbara Barrett, Secretary of the Air Force. “These efforts failed because our country is defined by its resiliency and the ability to persevere through the darkest of times, overcoming adversity. Unified by a collective strength, we are a Nation of hope. We honor and pay tribute to the first responders and survivors as well as family members and loved ones impacted by this national tragedy.”