MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – Moody Air Force Base commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a remembrance ceremony Sept. 11, 2026, honoring the lives lost and those who answered the call to serve in the aftermath.
The ceremony brought Moody AFB Airmen together to reflect on the events that changed the nation and remember the lasting impact of those who lost their lives that day.
25 years ago, four passenger aircraft were hijacked with two crashing in the World Trade Center in New York City, one at the Pentagon in Northern Virginia and the other crashing in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The attacks remain the deadliest act of terrorism in world history, resulting in the deaths of 2,977 people.
“We honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost, remember the courage and sacrifice of the first responders and service members who answered the call, and recognize the strength and resilience shown by the American people,” said Senior Airman Jacob Artman, 23d Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. “As we reflect on the day, we remain committed to preserving their memory and carrying forward the values of courage, service and unity.”
The remembrance ceremony serves as a reminder of the courage displayed by first responders who placed themselves in harm’s way to save others. When America faced one of its darkest days, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel and military members answered the call to serve.
"When 9/11 rocked this nation, the warriors at Moody did not hesitate,” said Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Weaver, 23 CES installation fire chief. “Months after the towers fell, it was the 23d Fighter Group from Moody that landed its very first aircraft inside Afghanistan, operating from a classified location and then Bagram Airfield.”
The events of Sept. 11 set the nation on a new course, launching a decades-long response that sent Airmen into action alongside sister services, Allies and partners around the world. From defending the nation at home to conducting operations overseas, Airmen became a vital part of America’s response.
The United States honors the service and sacrifice of those who served in U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, while standing with the families and communities forever changed by their loss.
"We may never forget the innocent souls lost on September 11th,” Weaver said. “Never forget the courage of the first responders, and may we forever honor the brave men and women of our armed forces, like those at Moody, who have stood and will always stand on the front lines of freedom.”
Twenty-five years later, the legacy of Sept. 11 continues to shape the way the nation prepares to defend itself. The remembrance reinforces the importance of remaining vigilant to respond to threats against the United States and its interests.
The Air Force strengthens its partnerships with Allies and partners, ensuring forces can fight together, respond to threats and remain ready for whatever comes next. For those gathered at Moody, the ceremony was more than a reflection on history, it was a reminder that the responsibility of defending the nation is carried forward by every generation of Airmen. The legacy of those who answered the call lives on in the force that stands ready today, trained to fight, prepared to respond and committed to the mission.