Remembering the Sacrifices

Story by MC2 Josh Cote, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

In remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the events that took place on Sept. 11, 2001, service members stationed on Naval Air Station Sigonella took part in to two ceremonies. The first ceremony was held on NAS Sigonella in front of the command building, Sept. 10, 2021.

Sailors started off the event by holding a moment of silence for all that were lost during the tragic event that day. Following that, Cmdr. Ronald Cappellini, NAS Sigonella’s executive officer, and Rear Adm. Nancy Lacore, chief of staff, U.S Naval Forces EuropeAfrica/6th Fleet, gave speeches on what this day meant to them.

“I am honored to be here with you today commemorating what is one of the most pivotal days in American history,” said Lacore. “Being here in Sigonella is especially moving, because who would have thought just over three weeks ago that you guys would be so instrumental in closing out the final chapter of this 20-year war? So today, on the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11th, we remember those nearly 3000 Americans and citizens from over 70 other nations who lost their lives in the deadliest terrorist attack in American history.”

The second ceremony was held in the city of Nissoria, Italy. Service members from multiple branches gave their time in honor of the 9/11 ceremony, Sept. 11, 2021.

The ceremony held in Nissoria is one of the few 9/11 remembrance ceremonies held outside of the United States. Community members from the city were directly affected by the events that took place that day. In honor of those people, the mayor of the town had previously dedicated a plot of land for the Nissoria men and other victims that were lost that day, naming it the September 11th Park.

Each year, the ceremony starts with a small parade down to the park. When the parade arrives, there is a wreath laying ceremony near the park’s plaque dedicated to 9/11.

Following this year’s wreath laying, members of the community such as Mayor Armando Glorioso and Vice Prefect Giuseppe Sindona, a representative of the National Government of the Enna province, delivered speeches to the guests.

“This is a very important commemoration this year. We are at 20 years from the attack,” said Glorioso. “This commemoration is really deep in our heart, and this year we decided also to create a collateral event which will be a ribbon cutting of our new sports arena. This is a way to show that we really care about this. We remember that this is the only place outside the U.S., where there is an event held every year in honor of 9/11.”

Lt. Col. Chad Reger, director of operations of 7th Reconnaissance Squadron, also delivered a speech as part of the joint nation memorial event.

“Today was an honor,” said Reger. “I have been part of a lot of 9/11 ceremonies, including ones in Afghanistan, but this one is really unique. To be able to do this one with our allies and partners, and to see these families who also lost loved ones during the attack. You will notice that a lot of our folks that came out to volunteer today are old enough to remember and either had been in the military or joined shortly after, but we also have some young kids who got to learn today. It is a really rewarding experience to share this with the Sicilians and with this town.”

At the conclusion of the memorial service, the town also held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their newly renovated soccer field. Service members were also part of this ceremony as well. After the ribbon was cut and the field was finally open for business, service members took part in soccer match against a local national team.