Scott Patriots show their support

A sign of patriotism can be seen in front of Southwestern Illinois College at Healing Field with 400 flags on display to honor past and present servicemembers and victims of child abuse. The idea for Healing Field came after the Sept. 11 attacks and can be seen all over the U.S. (Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward)

Scott patriots show their support

Published Sept. 12, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward
375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- Today, seven years ago, two planes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, N.Y., one plane crashed into the Pentagon and the fourth plane crashed near Shanksville in Pennsylvania. The destination of the fourth plane is unknown but it is thought to have been headed to the U.S. Capitol building or the White House.

In memory of the nearly 3,000 people who died in these attacks, and to highlight the sense of patriotism that evolved after the attacks, Sept. 11 is now observed as Patriot Day.

The Patriot Act was signed by President George W. Bush Dec. 18, 2001. In it, the president directs that flags be flown at half-staff. A moment of silence is also observed at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the time when the first plane crashed.

In honor of Sept. 11, Scott will host a retreat ceremony today at 4:15 on the Parade Field. This ceremony will give those at Scott a chance to show their compassion and patriotism.

For Melvin Harris, retired Navy Chief Petty Officer and Army and Air Force Exchange Services contractor, a patriot is, "somebody that loves their country and stands for what is right."

Many at Scott show their patriotism simply by being in, or serving with, the military.

"The ability to serve my country stateside and down range enables me to give back to those not only serving now, but also those who have retired and say thanks to us," said Master Sgt. David Litz, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., 60th Security Forces Squadron. "It is our way of giving back to them."

For most people, though, being a patriot brings pride.

"With my job, I can go places all over the world, where our country needs something, whether it is conflict with a neighboring country or when a catastrophe happens, people look to the U.S. first," said Tech. Sgt. Enrico Caturo, Travis AFB, 60th SFS. "When I put on the uniform I am an ambassador for what the U.S. stands for."