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DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Thirteen Years Later, ISAF Remembers The Fallen
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Story and photo by Lt. Michael J. Fallon - ISAF Headquarters
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2014: KABUL, Afghanistan - “Thirteen years ago, on a clear summer morning, al-Qaeda struck the American homeland, and our world irrevocably changed,” said Gen. John F. Campbell, commander of International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces - Afghanistan.
Campbell delivered remarks during a ceremony at ISAF headquarters to honor those lost on September 11, 2001 and the sacrifices of countless others since that fateful day.
“Two airplanes sliced through the New York City skyline and smashed into the World Trade Center complex. Less than one hour later, an additional plane crashed into the Pentagon. Minutes later, another -- also headed for the American capital -- plummeted to the earth in Pennsylvania. When it was over, 2,977 men, women, and children representing over 90 countries, diverse cultures, and myriad religions lay dead, innocent victims of one of history's most brazen and reprehensible terrorist strikes.”
The skies over Kabul were clear and quiet as the group paused for a moment of reflection. The familiar sound of Blackhawk helicopters was nowhere to be heard. However, looking back on the thirteen years of combat operations in Afghanistan, such tranquility has been rare. America’s longest war has been an enduring path of combating terrorists and those who harbor them, of rebuilding the infrastructure of a nation ravaged by decades of war, and of assisting the Afghan government in attaining the goals of peace and stability that have eluded this region for so long.
“Our coalition and Afghan partners have applied relentless pressure against the terrorist networks that operate here,” said Campbell. “We have thoroughly disrupted their abilities to plan and execute further attacks against the West.”
On this solemn day, those gathered around the world acknowledged that the pursuit of terrorists who threaten the freedom of Afghanistan and, in fact, freedom everywhere has not come quickly or easily. Many have sacrificed greatly, but Campbell explained the necessity of taking this battle to the enemy: “As we found out on 9/11, the cost of our neglect could be far more expensive.”
By going after these terrorist networks, the opportunity has emerged to establish a strong, credible Afghan security network. This build-up of Afghan security capabilities is critical to the nation’s future as the coalition mission shifts from combat operations to training, advising, and assisting Afghan forces at the end of this year. In addressing the troops gathered at ISAF, Campbell stated:
“Thanks in large part to your efforts, the Afghan National Security Forces have become increasingly capable, confident, and credible. They've been in the lead for security efforts during two fighting seasons and are more than holding their own against a determined enemy. They have also earned the Afghan people's admiration and trust, and today, the ANSF proudly stands as the most respected institution in Afghanistan.”
Though the mission has evolved over the years, the determination to rid the world of terrorists and those who support them is as palpable as ever among Afghan and coalition forces.
At a ceremony in Kabul -- a world away from New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania -- a flag flies at half-staff as this international coalition gathers to remember the atrocities of September 11, 2001, atrocities whose inception was born here and whose effects reverberated around the globe.
Campbell reflected on the memory of those lost to that vicious awakening thirteen years ago today and on the resolve shown since.
“We will continue to protect our homelands by preventing Afghanistan from ever again becoming a safe haven for terrorism. This will be our most important legacy and tribute to our fallen heroes.”
*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Story and photo by Lt. Michael J. Fallon - ISAF Headquarters
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS
DTN News - 9/11 ANNIVERSARY: Obama Observes Moment of Silence on 9/11 Anniversary (Video)
Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News & Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 11, 2013: US President Barack Obama temporarily set aside his Syrian agenda to lead the US in a moment of silence to observe the 12th anniversary of 9/11, the worst terrorist attack on American soil.
Families and friends of victims are also gathering near Ground Zero to remember those who died .
The US has heightened security of facilities abroad for the anniversary, the White House said citing the attack that killed four US government employees in Benghazi, Libya, last year.
Mr Obama, joined by first lady Michelle Obama and vice president Joe Biden and his wife Jill gathered on the South Lawn of the White House, where flags were at half-staff.
They stood silent at 8.45am (1.45pm Irish time), the time on September 11th 2001, when a hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 smashed into the north Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Almost 3,000 people died in the terrorist attacks.
“On September 11, 2001, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family,” Mr Obama said in a proclamation issued yesterday. “May the same be said of us today, and always.”
The proclamation declared today as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service. US flags were to be lowered to half- staff, and the president called on the nation to observe a moment of silence at 8.46am and mark the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The president was scheduled to participate in a separate ceremony later today at the Pentagon, which was hit by American Airlines Flight 77, the jet hijacked and turned into a weapon killing 59 passengers and crew and 125 people on the ground.
Mr Obama also planned to participate in a service project in the afternoon in the Washington DC area.
The Obama administration said in a statement that it has taken several steps to prevent another 9/11-style attack in the US.
Mr Obama’s counterterrorism aide Lisa Monaco has been in charge of reviewing security measures in place for the anniversary, the White House said.
Four Americans including the US ambassador to Libya were killed in an attack on a compound in Benghazi a year ago. The administration initially said the assault grew out of anti-Western protests. Later, however, it turned out that Islamist extremists launched the attack on the September 11th anniversary.
The administration was forced for months to defend its handling of the events at Benghazi, with critics charging officials deliberately played down the nature of the attack to protect the president’s re-election bid. The White House said its first reports were based on incomplete information. “The events of last year, losing four brave Americans - Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods - brought home the reality of the challenges we face in the world,” the White House said.
*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth - DTN News & Reuters
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS
