SAN ANTONIO – (Sept. 11, 2023) – In remembrance of those who lost their lives 22 years ago, Legionnaires, military servicemembers, civilians and first responders attended a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony hosted by Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston at the main flagpole.
Members of the community came together to honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives during the tragic events that happened in New York City and at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
The keynote address was delivered by Maj. Gen. Michael J. Talley, commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence.
During his remarks, Talley spoke about the late Lt. Col. Karen Wagner, an Army Medical Service Corps officer who was amongst the 125 people killed at the Pentagon.
“Her legacy continues here in San Antonio, at Wagner High School in Judson Independent School District and Wagner Hall, home to the 32nd Medical Brigade Headquarters here on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston; and in Washington, D.C., at the Wagner Sports Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center,” said Talley, who also serves as the 20th Chief of the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps.
Attending the ceremony were post commanders Burrell Parmer of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 and Humberto Quintanilla of Business and Professional American Legion Post 10. Both Legionnaires serve on the City of San Antonio's Veterans Advisory Commission.
The time of 7:46 a.m. Central time was chosen as that was when Flight 11 crashed into the north face of the North Tower (1 WTC) of the World Trade Center in New York City, between floors 93 and 99, at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time on Sept. 11, 2001.
On Sept. 8, Parmer and Quintanilla, joined by past commander Willis Gray and members of Robert F. McDermott American Legion Post 309, supported the City of San Antonio’s annual World Heritage Festival Music and Movie Under the Stars, held at Mission Marquee Plaza.
The event served as a tribute to San Antonio’s legacy as Military City USA. It included local military and veteran support organizations in a family-friendly environment and featured live music from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, a children’s choir, interactive hands-on activities, and a screening of a military-themed movie on the original jumbo screen.
Special thanks to Post 309 and their honor guard for presenting the colors at the event.
