Leanna Lehman
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, marked the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Each year, Mayor Ken Tedford and the City of Fallon host a ceremony of remembrance for the thousands of Americans who lost their lives that day and pay tribute to the heroism and sacrifices that followed.
Several local first responders, including Fallon Police Department, Churchill County Sheriff's Office, Search and Rescue, and others were in attendance and recognized for their ongoing service to the community. Officers from Naval Air Station Fallon, including Commanding Officer Capt. Shane Tanner and keynote speaker Capt. Andrew Mariner and other base personnel were also present. They were thanked for their service and joined in honoring the lives lost on 9/11, as well as the many men and women who fought in the Global War on Terror that followed.
NAS Fallon Chaplain Harper Reiner offered the opening invocation, followed by the Churchill County High School ROTC's presentation of the colors and the national anthem, sung by the CCHS choir. Churchill County District Attorney Art Mallory led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Milinda Lira delivered a powerfully moving rendition of the National Anthem.
Mayor Tedford, pictured right, introduced the event's keynote speaker, Capt. Andrew Mariner, or "Grand" as he is otherwise known, and denoted his impressive military career. Mariner's first duty station was NAS Lemoore, where he began training with the FA-18 Super Hornet. He went on to complete two combat deployments aboard the USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan.
"Throughout his career, Captain Mariner has served on the USS Nimitz, USS Ronald Reagan, the USS George Washington, the USS John Stennis, the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, and the USS Theodore Roosevelt.," said Tedford, "In addition to his deployments, Captain Mariner's a graduate of the Naval War College… He's received an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies. Capt. Mariner is an aviator's aviator."
Honored to be invited to speak, Mariner, pictured below, reflected on his experiences during the attacks and the profound impact on his life and career. "I was able to piece together the memories of where I was on that early fall morning in 2001," recalled Mariner. "In a time before instant data at your fingertips... it was surprising to me, at least, how fast the news of that day spread."
He recounted being a young ensign preparing for his first solo flight when the news broke. "That fateful day was supposed to be the day that I would solo for the first time," he said, recalling the shock and chaos that ensued. "I vividly remember being on the phone with a good friend who lived in D.C. at the exact moment the first tower fell, and we were both so incredulous that neither of us could really say anything... All we could say was, 'It came down.' Everything in the world was turned upside down in a few hours on a seemingly normal weekday morning... We were under attack."
While 9/11 was catastrophic, America's response was swift and resolute. "In the long run, after the chaos and disorder subsided," Mariner said, "it would prove to galvanize our country and our military in ways most of us hadn't seen in our lifetime."
Confident in the strength of the U.S. military and the American people, Mariner urged the audience to remain vigilant. "I know I will never forget the events that defined a generation, and the memories of the lives lost and sacrifices made will forever provide inspiration for me in my military career and beyond," he said. "I say never forget."
After Mayor Tedford read the Chronology of Terror recalling the events of 9/11, NASF Chief Officer Selectees, performed the Old Glory Flag Ceremony, which was narrated by Chief Petty Officer Daniel Huntly. American Legion Post 16 performed the Three Volley Salute, followed by Taps, after which Fallon City Council members Karla Kent and Paul Harmon offered the Placement of Roses. Mason Valley Fire Protection's bagpipers, providing special music for the event, performed "Amazing Grace, pictured left.
Parkside Pastor Brennen Behimer gave the benediction, followed by Mayor Tedford and Capt. Mariner's Placement of Roses at the 9/11 Memorial, which includes a brick from the Twin Towers collapse, offered by New York City in appreciation of Fallon's contribution to post-9/11 efforts. The Placement of Rose continued by first responders, military personnel, veterans, and the community.
Below, Churchill County Search and Rescue.
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