Fort Eisenhower holds 9/11 ceremony

FORT EISENHOWER, Ga. (WJBF) – The September 11th Remembrance Ceremony at Freedom Park was meant to honor the fallen, first responders and survivors of those terrorist attacks – while also looking toward the future.

“Remembrances are great because you remember not the time, but the decades that have passed and how much you come to understand the impact of that event on human beings,” said Maj. Gen. Ryan Janovic, the Commanding General of the Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Eisenhower.

The ceremony started with the posting of the colors, followed by a wreath posting.

Cannons and sirens signified the times of each plane crash.

“When the first cannon fired and then the sirens wailed, it all came together in my mind, what we were representing,” Maj. Gen. Janovic said. “A crash into a building, and the first response – and it sparked something in me.”

For the post’s Director of Emergency Services, the event hits close to home.

“My high school was in the shadow of the world trade center, so for the first attack, I remember that first attack and it definitely led to me to think about serving my country,” said Lt. Col. Hank Cartagena. “As a New Yorker, as a law enforcement officer, and as a soldier, this day means a lot to the men and women I serve with. And Patriots Day is a somber time and a time of resolve to recommit ourselves to service to our community and nation.”

Maj. Gen. Janovic was the keynote speaker. He believes ceremonies like this bring humanity closer together – and remind us to prepare for things we cannot predict.

“Events like this are great reminders to young soldiers that we’re bringing into Fort Eisenhower to train,” he said. “You don’t know when we’re going to need you to be ready, so use all the time you have available, soak up the skills, the knowledge, the acumen we demand so that you are ready.”

Post leaders plan on holding this ceremony for years into the future, and encourage you to talk about and remember this day, everyday.

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