Remembering Sept. 11 -- five years later Published Nov. 20, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- If you asked people today if they remember where they were or what they were doing the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, most of them could tell you. Monday marks five years since terrorists hijacked American aircraft and crashed them into the World Trade Centers, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. "I remember I was working at a missile field at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and (the events) had a great effect on me as a first responder," said Tech. Sgt. Todd Rosenzweig, 71st Security Forces Squadron. "I'm also from New York and have family there, so it hit close to home." During a meeting, Maj. Herbert Meadows, 71st SFS commander, asked about Vance Air Force Base plans to recognize the anniversary. "When I was stationed at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., I was responsible for planning the installation's one-year anniversary ceremony," he said. "I hadn't seen anything planned for the wing specifically but I think it's important to recognize the day, even at an organizational or personal level, especially if you belong to a first responder organization. "We're still a nation at war, and obviously the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, put into motion a series of events and operations affecting us five years later. It doesn't take much time to honor the events and those brothers who gave their lives so others may live." Sergeant Rosenzweig then began coordinating with Norman Yeingst, Vance Fire Department chief, and Staff Sgt. Susan Moore, 71st Medical Group, to arrange a ceremony consisting of Vance's first responders. "It's important to remember not only the events of Sept. 11, 2001, but the first responders to the scenes," said Mr. Yeingst. "When you're running out (of a building), we're running in, and these people paid with their lives for trying to save others." The ceremony begins at 8:20 a.m. at the flag pole and includes speeches, a Ringing of the Bell fire department ceremony and a moment of silence, followed by sounding of sirens. Major Meadows thanked Sergeant Rosenzweig for coordinating the events. "I just threw the idea out, and he caught it," said the major. "He ran with the coordination and did it in a short time. I thank him for getting the ceremony together, and I thank all involved for ensuring Vance remembers this historical day." The Enid community has also planned a Freedom Walk at David Allen Memorial Ballpark to remember the day. Col. Bryan Benson, 71st Flying Training Wing commander, will speak at the event, which begins at 6 p.m. with opening remarks by Enid Mayor Ernie Currier. The event includes a walk around the field led by members of the National Guard and veterans and ends with dinner.