The Singing Sergeants perform at the Pentagon Memorial Dedication Ceremony

The U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants perform the American folk song "Shenandoah" at the Pentagon Memorial Dedication Ceremony on Sept. 11, 2008. Under the direction of Col. Dennis M. Layendecker, The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants provided a moving musical tribute to those who lost their lives at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. (Defense Dept. photo by Andy Morataya)

The Singing Sergeants perform at the Pentagon Memorial Dedication Ceremony

Tubist Master Sgt. Brian Sands warms up before performing with The U.S. Air Force Band at the Pentagon Memorial Dedication Ceremony on Sept. 11, 2008. Under the direction of Col. Dennis M. Layendecker, The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants provided a moving musical tribute to those who lost their lives at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. The memorial site contains 184 inscribed memorial units honoring the 59 people aboard American Airlines Flight 77 and the 125 in the building who lost their lives that day.(DoD photo by D. Myles Cullen, U.S. Army/Released)

The USAF Band performs at the Pentagon Memorial Dedication Ceremony

The U.S. Air Force Band leads the official party and audience in singing "God Bless America" at the Pentagon Memorial Dedication Ceremony, Sept. 11, 2008. The national memorial is the first to be dedicated to those killed at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. The site contains 184 inscribed memorial units honoring the 59 people aboard American Airlines Flight 77 and the 125 in the building who lost their lives that day. (Defense Dept. photo by Air Force Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump)

Sept 11, 2001 - We Will Never Forget

Published Nov. 5, 2008
By CMSgt Elizabeth Campeau
USAF Band

Bolling AFB, Washington, DC -- In a moving ceremony on a picturesque late summer morning, the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants provided a musical tribute to the 184 people who lost their lives at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. Seven years after the attacks, the Pentagon Memorial was unveiled.

President George W. Bush, Vice President Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and several Supreme Court justices were in attendance, along with other military and civilian dignitaries. The high-level event, covered by major news networks, was seen by millions worldwide.

Chief Master Sgt. Sandra Cox, the Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of the Concert Band, was deeply affected by the day's events. "The Concert Band did a fantastic job contributing to the ceremony." Chief Cox's husband was working in the Pentagon at the time of impact. "I am blessed because my husband walked out of the Pentagon on September 11th, and I think the memorial is extremely important to the family members of those who were lost in the attack. It symbolizes that we will not forget those who died there and we won't forget the importance of maintaining the safety of our nation."

As part of the ceremony, the names of the 184 victims were read. Chief Master Sgt. Elizabeth Campeau, Director of Marketing and Outreach for the band, and Army Public Affairs broadcaster, Staff Sergeant Matthew A. DeWaegeneer, shared the responsibility. "I was honored to have the opportunity to pay tribute to the families," Chief Campeau said. "This was perhaps the most meaningful narration I've ever been a part of."

The joint-service event included performances by the U.S. Army Men's Chorus, the Naval Academy Glee Club and a vocalist from the U.S. Marine Band. Kitty Donohoe performed "There are no Words", a song she wrote in the days following the 2001 attacks. Also on hand was J.W. Alvey Elementary School's "Singing Sunrays". While the ceremony lasted well over two hours, the experience was just a brief moment in time for those of us who had the honor of participating.

For video footage of the Pentagon Memorial Dedication Ceremony, please click on the following link: Pentagon Memorial Dedication Ceremony Video