Source: United States Army
WASHINGTON — Nearly twenty-five years after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, members of the ASA, Manpower & Reserve Affairs (M&RA) / Army G-1 gathered at the Pentagon today alongside families of the fallen and survivors to rededicate the “ASA M&RA G-1 9-11 Memorial,” honoring the Soldiers and Army Civilians who lost their lives that day.
The unveiling ceremony revealed a restored memorial that was originally dedicated 20 years ago in the aftermath of the attack, enduring as both a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and a powerful reminder of the Army’s enduring mission to safeguard the homeland and stand ready in defense of the American people.
“September 11, 2001, started like any other mild fall day here in Northern Virginia, but that ended at 9:37 a.m., when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon, claiming a total of 184 lives,” said Mr. Roy Wallace, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, host of the ceremony and himself a survivor of the attack. “For many years following, we have walked up and down Corridor Four, admiring the memorial tribute to our 9/11 heroes.”
Over the years, however, photos featured in the memorial of those killed while working in the ASA M&RA / Army G-1 offices began to fade in the constant overhead lighting. The frosted glass protecting the memorial obscured the carved inscriptions on the plaque inside, and a passing observer would not be able to discern the original 1941 limestone decorating the memorial backdrop.
“That wouldn’t do,” said Mr. Wallace. “So, we set our sights on revitalizing our memorial because it was important to our family.”
The family to which Mr. Wallace refers is the ASA M&RA / Army G-1 team serving at that time 25 years ago. Twenty-nine heroes are honored in the memorial today, which sits just outside the ASA M&RA / Army G-1 offices.
To counteract the effects of time that had weathered the original display, new photographs, improved glass plating and a large plaque, hung in the center of a wreath of smiling faces, make up the restored memorial.
Before the conclusion of the ceremony, Mr. Wallace hand-delivered the original photographs to their respective families along with a framed copy of the new memorial display, which included the families of Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Maude, Sgt. Maj. Lacey B. Ivory and Sgt. Maj. Larry L. Strickland.
“Today’s M&RA and G-1 teams carries on their mission, taking care of our Soldiers, Civilians, and families, just like they did 25 years ago,” Mr. Wallace said, concluding the ceremony. “They set the standard of selfless service that we strive to continue and improve every day. You will always be in our hearts and prayers, a member of the M&RA, G-1 family.”