By
FLGOFF Melinda Boneham
IN
a poignant reminder of why they were there, members of the Maritime
Patrol Aircraft Task Group in the Middle East joined their Canadian
and New Zealand allies in remembering the tragic terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001.
Coalition members gathered as one in the heat and dust of the
Middle Eastern summer on the second anniversary of the attacks
to participate in a Service of Remembrance under the flags of
the three countries.
The resident Chaplain for the Australian contingent, Chaplain
Mark Willis, and his Canadian counterpart conducted the service.
The service began with an emotive introduction from the Australian
Task Group Commander, Wing Commander Stephen Kerr, who reminded
deployed members that “although we are only a small nation
with a small force, do not be mistaken, because of the threat
these evil and cowardly acts pose to all people who believe in
freedom, we will not be deterred from our task of removing such
evil from the world”.
The Canadian and New Zealand commanders and Wing Commander Stephen
Osborne, the incoming Australian Commander, read selected passages
from the Bible. During the readings, representatives from fire,
Security Police, medical and MEOMS sections laid down various
symbols which were vivid reminders of those who, with no thought
for their own safety, raced to the World Trade Centre towers to
help the trapped and injured.
Flight Sergeant Tracey Woolley, a Physical Training Instructor,
recited the ode and the service ended with the singing of Amazing
Grace.
Participants were moved by the simple yet heartfelt ceremony that
reinforced the importance of their involvement in Operations Slipper
and Catalyst and helped justify the long separation from friends
and family.
