Team Dover chaplain speaks at Sept. 11th memorial event Published Sept. 13, 2015 By Capt. Quentin Genke 436th Ailift Wing DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- (Note: This story is a transcript of the speech given by Chaplain Capt. Quentin Genke at the September 11th Memorial ceremony, here) July 4, 1776 June 18, 1812 April 12, 1861 April 6, 1917 December 7, 1941 January 17, 1991 March 20, 2003 These are just a few of the important dates in the history of the United States of America. But there is another immensely powerful date that forever changed the fabric of this country, so significant it only goes by two numbers: 9-11. Three simple and ordinary numbers, a nine and two ones, in combination mark a day that was anything but simple and definitely not ordinary. The sky over New York City, Washington D.C. and a remote farmer's field in Pennsylvania was the brightest of blues with nary a cloud in sight. A fall chill filled the air when in a matter of seconds the United States was forever changed. Planes used as weapons melted steel, pierced a fortress and scorched a field taking the innocent lives of thousands of men, women and children. During the following hours and days of chaos and confusion something amazing happened in America. It was as if a call went out from sea to shining sea. It didn't matter what side of town you were from, what social class you belong to, what candidate you voted for in the last election, what faith tenants you adhered to, the color of your skin or the dialect of your speech. Strangers were embracing strangers in hugs, neighbors caring for neighbors, communities rallying together. And all of a sudden the American spirit rose from the ashes. That spirit of sacrifice, respect and faith flickered brightly in the candles at prayer vigils and memorial services across this land. Houses of worship burst at the seams offering comfort and solace to the grieving, confused and hurting. Americans put aside their individual concerns and prejudices for the collective good of the country and their fellow Americans. America was united as one nation under God with liberty and justice for all. If one listened closely, John F. Kennedy's famous utterance, "Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country", rang out in the days and weeks following as Americans rallied to a common cause of supporting and defending their great country. From the ashes of destruction arose a renewed spirit of American patriotism. The earth however continues its' revolutions around the sun, days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years, time marches on. We are now standing 14 years to the right of 9-11, 2001. Some of our youngest service men and women were in kindergarten when, in the words of Allen Jackson, "the world stopped turning". In the not so distant future our newest service members will have been born after 9-11, 2001. The passage of time presents an inherent danger. The continual turning of history's pages covers the impactful events of yesterday and today with those of tomorrow. Significant events become but a mere speck in the rear view mirror as life races down the galactic expressway. My challenge for you today is to share your stories with those who may not have had a front row seat or a vivid recollection of the fateful events of 9-11. Fan the flickering patriotic embers so that the fire of patriotism ignited 14 years ago continues to burn brightly. Then the lives of the victims, the first responders, and all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice during the ensuing War of Terrorism will be honored. Continue to reflect upon and teach the lessons of bravery, sacrifice and faith of that fateful day and those significant numbers 9-11. May those lessons guide your continued service to this great country. May the faith we clung to as individuals and as a Nation in the days following continue to give us hope for the future as we carry the numbers forward.