Vance Patriot Day

More than 1,000 Team Vance members gathered at the base flag pole Friday, Sept. 11, at Vance AFB, Okla., to observe Patriot Day on the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. Following the ceremony at the flag pole, the military members, and a few civilians, ran a 1.5 mile course from the wing headquarters to the Fitness Center, followed by push-ups and sit-ups. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Terry Wasson)

Vance Patriot Day

Jeff Mullin, a reporter for the Enid News & Eagle newspaper in Enid, Okla., photographs members of Team Vance participating in a 1.5 mile run on Patriot Day, Sept. 11. The run was part of the base observance to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United State on Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Joe B. Wiles)

Vance observes Patriot Day with ceremony, 1.5 mile run

Published Sept. 14, 2009

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- More than 1,000 Team Vance members gathered at the base flag pole Friday, Sept. 11, to observe Patriot Day on the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C.

The ceremony began at 7:30 a.m. with the playing of the national anthem, followed by remarks from Col. Chris Nowland, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander.

"Today is a day about remembering. It is also a day for being thankful," he said, "thankful for you and your families that support you. And it's a day to resolve that we will not quit."

The names of 56 Team Vance members currently deployed were read aloud by representatives from the Wing Staff, the 71st Operations Group, 71st Medical Group and the 71st Mission Support Group.

At 7:46 a.m., when the first terrorist-controlled aircraft struck the World Trade Center eight years ago (8:46 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time), Team Vance observed a moment of silence.

A flyover by Vance aircraft was cancelled due to weather conditions.

Children from Eisenhower Elementary school on base led those attending the ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The event was concluded with Colonel Nowland leading the singing of the Air Force song.

The military members present, and a few civilians, ran a 1.5 mile course from the wing headquarters to the Fitness Center, followed by push-ups and sit-ups.