We had a 9/11 Commemoration this morning at 0745. MG Cone laid a wreath at the base of the US flagpole, which stood at halfmast. The wreath was for the 89 American, NATO, and Coalition service members that CSTC-A has lost since the war here began. Pretty somber stuff.
The last 9/11 Commemoration I took part in was at sea. The NIMITZ Strike Group had dropped 18 bombs in Afghanistan and 18 bombs in Iraq. Our surface guys had interdicted untold numbers of ships & dhows and some destroyers got to do high speed, low drag ops in direct support of troops on the ground and in protection of Kaabot and Aabot. The NIMITZ CO came over the 1MC (announcing system for you civilian types) and said that there would be no traditional memorial service for us. There had been a time for mourning, but that time was over. Now was the time for killing. Our Strike Group had done its part to help with the killing, we wouldn't be mourning that day.
Two different approaches to the same day, interesting perspective. We were lucky during that deployment and didn't lose a single Sailor or Marine. CSTC-A hasn't been that fortunate. I think that colors things a lot.
I still have a goal to make sure I fly on a commercial airliner on 9/11. I havent' gotten that chance, yet. I hope to someday soon.
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