Imperative to remember Sept. 11 Published Sept. 11, 2008 By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Yesterday, we joined Americans around the world and paused in remembrance of that horrific life changing event which occurred seven years ago. Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists affiliated with Al-Qaeda deliberately crashed planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane collided into the Pentagon and a fourth plane, Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, Pa., killing innocent Americans. On Thursday, Americans across the globe reflected on that awful day; some travelled to grave sites of loved ones, others visited ground zero in New York City, while thousands, if not, millions wept as those dreadful distant memories returned to their unbearably vivid state. I recall sitting TDY at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., watching in disbelief as the second plane crashed into the North Tower; grey and black smoke emerged to seize the skies as pandemonium ensued. Days later, pictures of planes flying into buildings, firemen hanging Old Glory from a roof top and the phrase "Let's Roll" surfaced. Those images and others are permanently etched in our minds because that day changed America and our Air Force forever. Abraham Lincoln once said, "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter, and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Al-Qaeda brought the fight to us, infringing upon our way of life, the freedoms and securities we enjoy. And yet, some critics believe we shouldn't be at war, we should pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan, we're there for the wrong reasons and too many Americans are dying. I honestly don't know if they're right or wrong, however, what I do know is our nation is at war against terrorism to ensure our children and our children's children enjoy the same freedoms we love and enjoy today ... some things are worth fighting for. Therefore, we must complete this mission in order to secure America's sovereignty. We've been engaged in the war against terrorism for nearly seven years and our Air Force has labored in war for nearly 17 years. During this critical time, our Airmen are accomplishing incredible feats in the Global War on Terrorism fight. We are extremely busy; both our deploying Airmen and those Airmen left behind to carry on the home- station mission; protecting America' shores and skies. Our Airmen have answered their nation's call and will defend her with their lives. They do this because they are American Airmen. So, as we pause to reflect upon the despicable acts of Al-Qaeda, let Sept. 11 be a staggering reminder of why we're in Iraq, Afghanistan and the sacrifices our Airmen and their families are making on behalf of this great nation ... let us not forget, let us not forget. It's imperative we remember! Team Travis have a great weekend; be safe, make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.