We will never forget: Honoring the victims, families and heroes of 9/11 Published Sept. 11, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Tanya Holditch Keesler News editor KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- Today marks the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks on American soil. Nearly 50 Keesler members mourned the event by attending a Sept. 11 memorial service at the Triangle Chapel. People prayed, lit candles and read scripture in remembrance of the victims of the four hijacked planes, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. "The overall mood was prayerful," said Chaplain (Col.) Richard Dunn. "The reason people came was to remember and honor not only the victims, but that they were heroes." Col. Chris Valle, 81st Training Wing vice commander remembered Capt. Leroy Homer, with whom he flew C-141s at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. Captain Homer was the first officer of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Somerset County, Pa. "It is important for us to recognize the sacrifices many have given to defend our great nation," said Colonel Valle. "It is different when it is personal--when you lose a friend. "I think of the family he left behind, his wife and children," he said. "They bear the burden of these terrorists' acts every day, as do the thousands of family members who lost someone on September 11, 2001." "Today's services were exactly what they should be," he said. "We took a moment out of our busy day and stopped--we recognized and gave thanks to those who made sacrifices. "We are all affected by the events of 9/11 every day," added Colonel Valle. "We just sent 47 deployers to Southwest Asia the other day in defense of the Global War on Terrorism, which was started by these events. "Sending those men and women off is a stark reminder of what things could be like if we do not remain vigilant," he said. Other Keesler members honored the victims, heroes and family members of Sept. 11 in a retreat ceremony by lowering the American flag, which flew at half-mast today.