MIDWAY — There are new stories unfolding on each anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, Col. Jim Armstrong said.
The 3rd Infantry Division’s deputy commander for maneuver spoke to the East Liberty County American Legion Post 321’s observance of the events at the Midway Fire Department. Col. Armstrong was fresh out of West Point that day and he took part in Fort Stewart’s recognition of the anniversary.
What he thinks about, though, are the fire fighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians who ran into the heart of the danger.
“I think what first responders did that day in responding to the towers and the people who became heroes on Flight 93. I think about all those who helped others at the Pentagon,” he said. “It seems every year I hear a different story about an amazing person and responded to what happened that day, whether they were a firefighter or an EMT or with the Port Authority.”
One of the recent stories about the day that struck Armstrong was of a hot dog vendor on the street outside the towers, who then went running in to help.
Col. Armstrong deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and later deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division. He also deployed with the 1st Cavalry Division to Afghanistan.
He in his second stint at Fort Stewart, having served previously as the commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team.
While his soldiers may spend months training for a deployment that puts them in harm’s way, rescue personnel are called to a scene immediately, Armstrong noted.
“The military, we may train to get ready for combat,” he said. “But our first responders have to go out on a moment’s notice to save someone. For a first responder perspective, thank you so much.”
From his deployments overseas, Col. Armstrong said he has witnessed what happens when a nation’s people can’t rely on its services.
“You don’t know what a blessing it is to have people like this in our police force, our fire department, in our emergency services,” he said. “Thank you very much for what you do every day.”
Midway Mayor Malcolm Williams pointed out those who were alive for the day of the terror attacks will never forget where they were or what they were doing. He also reflected on what took place in the aftermath of the Twin Towers’ destruction, the attack on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93.
“That day, we put our differences aside,” he said. “We came together.”
Col. Armstrong extended his gratitude to the Legion post for continuing to mark the occasion.
“Thank you American Legion for not letting us forget,” he said, “for doing this every year and letting us be a part of it in a special community like Midway.”
