Airport observes September 11 anniversary
By Amy Schneider

On the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Hartsfield-Jackson executives participated in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) program, “A Decade of Healing: Remembering 9/11.”
 
Aviation General Manager Louis Miller and Richard Duncan, interim assistant general manager for Operations, Maintenance and Security, spoke about their personal experiences on that unforgettable day in 2001. Interim Director of Security Jan Lennon served as mistress of ceremonies.

“I was honored to pay tribute to the men and women whose lives were lost and whose legacies remain a guiding light,” Miller said. “September 11 marks one of our nation’s greatest tragedies. However, I believe when Hartsfield-Jackson and airports throughout the country reopened, it became clear that the resilience of the American traveler and the spirit of our great nation could not and would not be defeated by those who harbored evil.”

The program included personal reflections and special tributes in honor of the victims, including musical selections from the Atlanta Boy Choir Alumni Men’s Choir and moments of silence for each plane crash. The TSA and U.S. Customs honor guards presented the colors.

Also on September 11, Airport employees, families, Girl Scouts and others participated in a trial run of Operation Sendoff, a program to honor troops as they return to service in the Middle East after two weeks of R&R (Rest and Recuperation). The Atlanta Personnel Assistance Point (PAP) is launching the program.

Soldiers arriving from the Middle East to begin their R&R were treated to a water-cannon salute as their plane arrived. Atlanta Fire Rescue crews provided the traditional salute for the returning troops.

Aviation General Manager Louis Miller speaks during the Transportation Security Administration’s “A Decade of Healing: Remembering 9/11” program on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

The Atlanta Boy Choir Alumni Men’s Choir participates in the observances.

Atlanta Fire Rescue crews provide a water-cannon salute for soldiers returning from the Middle East on September 11.