Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., kneels down to place a flag that was flown at Ground Zero in front of a photograph depicting the tragic events at the World Trade Center, Sept. 11, 2001, during the Patriot Day Observance at division headquarters, Sept. 11, 2008. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brock Jones, Multi-National Division Baghdad.

Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, a native of Hattiesburg, Miss., commanding general of MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div., was the keynote speaker during the Ironhorse Division’s Patriot Day Observance.

“[September 11, 2001] is a day that will live in infamy, just as the attacks on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. These attacks were similar – they awoke our great nation and mobilized America’s credentials. It’s what brought us here today and is the heart of what we are doing now,” Hammond said.

“Today, as we remember those we lost on, Sept. 11 [2001], let’s not forget the 89 MND-B Soldiers we’ve lost since our transition of authority.”

Following Hammond’s heartfelt words, those gathered silently observed as three wreaths were hung beneath large photographs depicting the tragedies at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center and the crash site of United Flight 93, in commemoration of the servicemembers, rescue workers and civilians who lost their lives.

Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, the senior enlisted leader of MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div., placed an American flag that was flown at Ground Zero in front of the photo of the fallen Twin Towers, and then rendered honors to the same. The flag was presented to the Soldiers and leaders of 4th Inf. Div. by firemen of Ladder 10, Engine 10, Engine 24 and Ladder 5 of the New York City Fire Department.

The flag itself is a sobering reminder of the tragic events that day that claimed the lives of all of the firemen from these ladders and engines as they attempted to provide aid to their fellow Americans.

The crowd then stood and solemnly held a salute while a lone bugler from the 4th Inf. Div. Band poignantly played Taps.

“Today’s ceremony was outstanding,” said Spc. Clint Baltzly, a native of Canton, Ohio, who serves as a petroleum specialist with Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, attached to Division Special Troops Bn., 4th Inf. Div. “The mood that was set and delivered was very appropriate. It’s important for us to remember and never forget the tragic events of this day so that we don’t take things for granted.”

The crowd slowly dispersed following the ceremony, some lingering to take photos or talk softly with friends. Each individual who attended was once again reminded of why they are here, in Iraq serving their nation – and the price that is paid, often in lives, to live in a land where freedom rings from coast to coast.