Vance remembers 9/11 victims with retreat ceremony Published Sept. 11, 2013 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Airmen and civilians at Vance Air Force Base joined the nation Wednesday to honor those who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City, the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pa. Four formations of military members, representing units from across the base, gathered at the flag pole, awaiting the 5 p.m. sounding of retreat, the evening lowering of the flag. The formations came to attention, presenting a hand salute as the flag slowly lowered during the playing of the national anthem. Members of the Silver Talon honor guard folded the flag, signaling the end of the ceremony. In an email the day before, the commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance AFB, Col. Darren James, said, "I ask that you not only remember those who perished on 9/11, but remember those we've lost while defending our great nation. "We also remember those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen that are deployed on this day of remembrance."