More than 100 Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) joined several Newport News, Virginia, officials to remember those affected by the terrorists attacks of 9/11 during a ceremony held at the Victory Arch Sept. 11.

Among those in attendance were the Vice Mayor of Newport News Robert Coleman; Lincoln Executive Officer, Capt. Todd Marzano; Lincoln Command Chaplain, Cmdr. Maurice Buford; Newport News Chief of Police Chief Richard Myers and Newport News Deputy Fire Chief Kenneth Lay.

Coleman expressed to the Sailors that while 9/11 may be remembered for the tragic events that claimed the lives for thousands of innocent people, we also honor the courageous men and women - those heroes who served then as well as those who serve today.

"While the passing of September 11 each year most certainly warrants special recognition and gratitude for the men and women who serve our nation, it is important to remember that they truly are heroes each and every day," he said.

Buford spoke on the importance of those brave men and women who gave their lives on 9/11 as well as those who have given their lives defending our country.

"...on this 9/11 ceremony let us continue to pay our respects, recalibrate our patriotism, and remain true to freedom's cause by reviving that American Spirit," said Buford. "Don't Forget. Others died trying to save Americans like you and me!"

During the ceremony, Lincoln's chief petty officer selectees presented a timeline of the events on that September morning. Each chief select took a turn reciting a specific time from the morning of September 11 and the events that occurred.

"The part of the ceremony that stuck out to me today was when the chief selects gave a timeline of events of that day," said Seaman Bri Corchado. "It touched my heart. It happened years ago, but every year at this time and every time you hear about that morning you try to remember those people that were there even if you weren't."

The selectees then lead a wreath laying ceremony and Chief (select) Aviation Electronics Technician Nidia Martinez recited the poem "The Names," by Billy Collins dedicated to the victims of the attack.

The ceremony concluded with the ringing of six bells and the playing of "Taps" by Tech. Sgt. Scott Dooley.

Lincoln is currently undergoing a refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/.