JOINT BASE LINDSEY GRAHAM, S.C. –
Service members, first responders, civilian personnel, and community members gathered today at the Air Base Fire Department Training Grounds to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The solemn ceremony paid tribute to the 2,977 lives lost in New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, while reaffirming the installation’s enduring commitment to national defense and mutual community support.
The observance featured solemn moments of silence marking the impacts at the North Tower, South Tower, and Pentagon, along with first responder invocations, a commemorative wreath-laying, and the traditional striking of the "Four Fives" bell ceremony.
During his address, installation commander Colonel Mike Shirley reflected on the legacy of service, resilience, and unity forged in the aftermath of the tragedy:
“We remember the courage of first responders who ran toward danger. We remember the service members, civilians, and families whose lives were forever changed that day and in all the years that followed,” said Col. K. Michael Shirley II, 628th Air Base Wing and Joint Base Lindsey Graham commander.
The ceremony’s guest speaker, Pentagon attack survivor Cheryl Irwin, shared a personal account of survival, the immediate emergency response inside the building on that fateful morning, and the enduring importance of community remembrance:
“This was a pivotal moment in our history. I hope we never have one like this again, but I hope people do remember that it brought us together with a sense of unity and resolve and dedication,” said Cherly Irwin.
Following the keynote remarks, base leadership and fire department representatives placed a ceremonial wreath at the memorial site, followed by the tolling of the fire bell in four intervals of five strikes—a time-honored firefighters' tribute honoring fallen emergency responders.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of Taps and a benediction for the families of victims and service members deployed worldwide.