Sailors from San Antonio-area commands gathered to commemorate the events of 9/11 during a ceremony at San Antonio Fire Station 1, Sept. 11.

San Antonio chief petty officers (CPOs) and CPO selects gathered with the fire fighters to honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives 14 years ago, which included 343 firefighters. They paid tribute as well to the men and women who've volunteered to serve in the years since, both military service members and emergency response personnel.

"I just want to say to everyone here, thank you so much for your service," said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Melissa Foster, Navy Medicine Training Support Center (NMTSC) command master chief (CMC). "We are here today to honor those who've given their lives for our freedom. Each of us here today carries on that tradition. We represent that selfless servitude, that protection of our freedom."

A description of the events of 9/11 was recited by the chief selects, including the time and location of each aircraft that went down followed by the ceremonious ringing of a bell. Then Marines from the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion performed a gun salute, and Taps was played.

NMTSC's commanding officer and CMC spoke briefly, followed by San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood, who thanked everyone in attendance.

"Everything that we do, we do without hesitation," Hood said. "There were a lot of lives lost that day - the 343 in particular. When they rolled up to that building, they had a plan. Each person who went up those stairs, they went up without hesitation, understanding that they were probably going to die that day. That's what you guys do every single day."

The ceremony was planned and coordinated by San Antonio-area CPO selects with the oversight by the CPO association members, who presented Hood and the fire department a framed flag with the names of those who lost their lives in the attacks.

"It feels awesome to be here," said Chief (sel) Hospital Corpsman Arlo Bollinger, who was the master of ceremonies at the event. "This is what we joined the military for, our heritage. I'm just glad to be a part of it."

"It's important because as leaders we have to remember why we're serving," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Peter Quejado, who had oversight of the event. "The attacks brought terrorists to our land. It's part of our history now, and it's important to continue teaching and reminding our Sailors what happened."

Commands represented at the event were NMTSC, Navy Technical Training Center - Lackland, Navy Operational Support Center - San Antonio, Navy Information Operations Command - Texas, Navy Recruiting District - San Antonio, and the Marines of 4th Recon.

or more news from Navy Medicine Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmsc/.