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It rained on their parade, but nothing dampened their spirits

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss
  • Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The horrors of Sept. 11, 2001, are etched into the minds of every man and woman who was alive that day, their eyes glued to the television to witness the chaos of Ground Zero in New York City. We all watched the live broadcast of the second plane crashing into the Twin Towers that morning. And many of us know or know of brave men and women who risked or even gave their lives to rescue others.

But the younger generation doesn't remember. They rely upon our stories, good education, and their own traditions to give them a glimpse into what is now, to us, history.

For that reason, Hickam Elementary hosted its first iteration of a 9/11 Remembrance Assembly at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Sept. 10, 2010.

Although rain poured down on 750 students, their parents, and the teachers and visitors in attendance, they proudly sang the anthem, marched in formation, and commemorated an event most of them weren't even alive to see.

"It's great that we get to learn about the past so that we can make sure it doesn't happen again," said 11-year-old sixth grader Bailly Castillo, whose father is an active-duty Airman. For the spunky, self-described "not shy" young lady, volunteering to stand in the downpour and act as one of two masters of ceremonies was exciting. She loves social studies and has been all around the world with her family.

"It feels great to be an American," she said. "You get to believe in and do whatever you want, unlike many countries in the world."

And although she's often missed her father, she said she's proud that he gets to serve our country and make sure "it" (another event like 9/11) doesn't ever happen on our soil again.

"In total over 3,000 people died in the September 11th attacks," said Hickam Elementary principal John Erickson. "An overwhelming majority of the casualties were civilian including one of my best friends from high school. His name was Robert Curatolo, and he was one of the brave 341 fire fighters who lost their lives trying to help people get out of the Twin Towers."

As a native New Yorker and having worked in the World Trade Center, he has been profoundly impacted by the events of 9/11.

"We have all been impacted in different ways and that is why this parade today is important," he said. "We must never forget what happened on 9/11 and we must also never forget that we are all blessed to live in the greatest nation on earth."

In addition to paying tribute to those who lost their lives and the men and women currently in uniform, the event was also a celebration, according to Col. Rusty Baumgardner, 647th Air Base Group commander and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam deputy commander, as he encouraged the children present to stay strong and highly-motivated.

"This remembrance celebrates our enduring spirit that sustains our liberty, even in times of adversity," he said. "You are the heart of our country's future."