Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling –
In a wreath laying ceremony today, the Defense Intelligence Agency paid tribute to the lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including the seven DIA employees.
In front of a filled courtyard, next to the Agency’s 9/11 memorial at DIA headquarters, Deputy Director Suzanne White spoke about the events 18 years ago and how 9/11 continues to impact people’s lives today.
“For our DIA family who were in the Pentagon or lost family or friends in the attacks, this day is not just another mark on the calendar, and, to be quite honest, it never should be,” said White. “It feels real all over again every year. … some of us still remember the smoke, the scene every day for months as we passed the Pentagon.”
She continued by reading the memorial:
“Whenever evils befall us, we ought to ask ourselves, after the first suffering, how can we turn it into good. So shall we take occasion, from one bitter root, to raise perhaps many flowers?’”
Members from the Agency Honor Guard, and four officers from the U.K., Australia, Germany and Canada joined White and DIA Director for Operations Maj. Gen. Thomas Geary in laying the commemorative wreath and paying respects during the playing of “Taps.”
“As we lay the wreath today, I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners,” she said. “Remember, not only Americans lost their lives that day.”
The names of Rosa M. Chapa, Sandra N. Foster, Robert J. Hymel, Shelley A. Marshall, Patricia E. Mickley, Charles E. Sabin, and Karl W. Teepe were solemnly read.
“We serve because we owe it to Rosa, Sandra, Robert, Shelley, Patricia, Charles and Karl, who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said White. “Continuing the work they undertook is the greatest tribute we can give to them and ourselves.
“On this day, and for years to come, let us never forget their sacrifices and pledge ourselves to honor their memory and uphold the legacy of our fallen DIA officers and all of the people who lost their lives on 9/11.”