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Host nation dedicates 9/11 memorial to Sabers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Natasha Stannard
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Approximately 200 Sabers along with 40 local civic leaders attended a 9/11 dedication memorial and wreath laying ceremony May 25 at the air park here.

The memorial was designed by local artist Hubert Kruft and donated to the base by the Host Nation Council Spangdahlem and local businesses.

Kruft said it was an honor to create the memorial with steel that rises as a sign of strength and unity. He kept his memories from the infamous day in mind as he designed the memorial. He hopes Sabers take a moment to think back to that day as they pass the memorial.

Local civic leaders also had shared their sentiments of the memorial and 9/11.

"There are only a few days that people in the whole world remember, and what they did on that day," said Joachim Streit, Prum County commissioner. "September 11, 2001 is one of those days. The terrorist attacks that day shocked the world so much that the day and the images have been burned into the collective memory of humanity. The sculpture we are dedicating today as a memorial is representative of the memories surrounding that day."

"It is a heartfelt symbol to our American neighbors and friends," Michael Dietzsch, HNCS president added. "They have done so many good things for my country. My generation has been freed from totalitarianism and we were supported by the Americans during the cold war and my generation will never forget that."

Streit said he remembers the details of Sept. 11, 2001 very clearly especially the grief and sadness. Most of all, he remembers a deep feeling of camaraderie, which brought him an unforgettable feeling of unity with U.S. citizens that this memorial embodies.

"For over 60 years our communities have been united, and will remain so forever; this monument pays tribute to the generosity and compassion of both our nations," said Col. Chris Weggeman, 52nd Fighter Wing commander. "Her place of eminence here on a U.S. Air Force installation, with her roots firmly and forever embedded in German soil."
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