New Cumberland, PENNSYLVANIA –
On September 9, Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna employees gathered two days before the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to remember and honor those who died on that day, and those men and women who selflessly responded with courage and compassion. The ceremony also remembered those American warriors who are listed as Prisoners of War or still Missing in Action.
Hosted by the installation and DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pa., commander, Army Col. Brad Eungard, the group gathered at the Emergency Services facility, aptly named Building 911.
“Today we stand united as a DLA Distribution family, to stand by those who have lost a loved one, and to honor our warfighters and patriots,” said Eungard.
Army Master Sgt. Kevin Davis led the group in a moment of silence at 8:46 A.M. to coincide with the first terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
The event’s guest speaker, retired Navy Capt. Chris McKelvey, the commander of the Susquehanna installation during the Sept. 11, 2001 attack, spoke of his experiences during the days and weeks that followed. McKelvey was visiting friends in Germany during the attacks, and described his efforts to ensure the safety of the installation and his experiences returning home.
McKelvey joined installation police chief Doug Schraeder and fire chief Henry Hoffman to dedicate a wreath in honor of the heroes who have perished protecting and serving the country.
The American Legion William H. Nauss Riders from Post 143 performed a Field Cross Ceremony as a memorial for the U.S. Prisoners of War and those Mission in Action. The local legion has been joining the installation for over two decades to carry on this tradition.
DLA Installation Support at Susquehanna Security and Emergency Services staff coordinated the observance, with the station that houses emergency response equipment serving as a fitting venue for the gathering.