Area service members and civilians gathered at 9/11 Memorial Park on Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor to pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives during the attacks on the World Trade Center, Flight 93 and the Pentagon.

Attendees at the ceremony represented a diverse sampling of services, including Navy, Marine Corps, firefighters, U.S. Coast Guard and civil servants.

“We should never forget,” said U.S. Coast Guard Operations Specialist 3rd Class Connie Guillen of the cutter USCGC Mellon (WHEC 717). “We all played a very important role, whether military or civilian during that time and I am glad to be here to pay homage.”

The event began with the parade of colors and the National Anthem sung by Rosalie Ferraro, Lean Six Sigma program analyst. Ferraro agreed with Guillen about the impact of the events of that day and believes participating in the remembrance is a small tribute to those who died seven years ago and those who fight in their tribute.

“(The attack) was an event which impacted this country and we are never going to be the same,” said Ferraro. “Our comrades gave their lives in service of this country and it is important to show our support to our service men and women, our co-workers and our friends.”

The guest speaker for the event, Commander, Navy Region Northwest, Rear Adm. James Symonds, told the audience of how he was personally affected by the attacks through the death of his friend and shipmate, Lt. Cmdr. David Williams. Williams served as the operations officer in USS Nashville (LPD 13) during Symonds’ tour as commanding officer.

“It’s only right to remember those, who in the safety of their own offices, were taken by fanatics and criminals,” said Symonds. “It is out of respect of their memories and their families that we gather and hold this remembrance.”

After Symonds’ speech, service members, a fire fighter and civilian placed covers in front of a 9/11 memorial which were meant to represent various fields and people involved in the events surrounding the attacks.

Musician 2nd Class Justin Belka, who played “Taps” during the ceremony, said all of the events that happened during the attacks and the day after show what American people are capable of accomplishing.

“These ceremonies help remind us how strong of a country we can be when we come together as a people,” said Belka.