NAF El Centro honors fallen sailors of 9/11

The El Centro Naval Air Facility held a ceremony Wednesday to remember the fallen sailors on 9/11.

Navy officers shared their personal stories and memories from the tragic day.

The ceremony also emphasized on the pain of 9/11 that still lingers with many Americans across the nation and overseas.

“Two words immediately come to mind, and that’s never forgotten,” Capt. Brent Alfonzo, NAF El Centro.

Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

“They were our family, our friends, our fellow citizens,” said Alfonzo.

Officers reflected on how the 9/11 terrorist attacks changed the nation and how it impacted their service in the military.

“The event of that day for which everyone will always remember. Where they were when they heard the news of those horrendous attacks. I would ask you to take some time to remember what your life was like yesterday, how you would want it to be remembered if it were the next day of infamy,” said CDR Jeremy Doughty, NAF El Centro.

“The spirit of giving something back and protecting the nation. All those sentiments ran strong and impacted people deeply.”

Alexander Martin, Aviation Ordananceman Third Class at NAF El Centro, was in his first-grade class when the attacks happened on 9/11. He said the desire to protect his country stems from that day.

“It’s a very special day and it probably is one of the main reasons why I joined the military. I have a lot of military personnel in my family, law enforcement, and firefighters, so it was a deep event in my family.”

As the ceremony was dismissed today, navy personnel said they would continue to remember those individuals that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.