Sabers join community in 9/11 ceremony Published Sept. 14, 2011 By Senior Airman Natasha E. Stannard 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM, Germany -- Members of the 52nd Fighter Wing and the town of Spangdahlem came together to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the U.S. at St. Nikolaus Church. "For the Germans, if something really bad happens, reaching the 10th anniversary is a momentous step that must be recognized," said Klaus Rodens, mayor of Spangdahlem. The service began Sept. 11 at 2:46 p.m. - the local time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the World Trade Center's North Tower. This event was not only to be recognized by the local national Spangdahlem community, but by all Sabers as Roden's coordinated this event with Spangdahlem base leadership. "We were very happy to do this together with leadership on base, especially the 52nd Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Christopher Weggeman," said the mayor. "This region is the home of the Sabers, and when you are home, you have to stick together. It was very important for me, my town and the Eifel region to do this together with Spangdahlem Air Base as one family. As Col. Clint Hinote, former 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander said, 'we are stronger than me'." Before the community came together as 'we' to commemorate the day in a church service held by two local priests and Capt. Zachary Nash, 52nd Fighter Wing chaplain, Weggeman and Rodens addressed the crowd together sharing their memories. "I was driving to work in Layton, Utah." Weggeman said. "It was a beautiful cloudless morning, and I was watching the sun rise over the Wasatch Mountains. I had just turned my radio on and was reaching in my flight suit pocket for my sunglasses when the news report came on the radio. Like all of you, this is a moment in time I will never forget." Half way across the world, Rodens remembers the same moment in time clearly. "I was at a seminar ... in Mosbach, " said Rodens. "As we have seen the horrible attack on television during the break, it was unbelievable for all of us. We were in shock. Immediately, it was clear for us and particularly for me, I will immediately go home to be close to our, and especially my, American friends and families." Following the service, a wreath laying ceremony was held honoring those who lost their lives. "When you think about all the pain and worry all those families still go through, it's important to do something, especially after 10 years," Rodens said.