Vermont Air National Guard marks 25 years since 9/11 with ceremony in South Burlington

The ceremony brought together service members, including pilots and air crews who were on duty during the aftermath of the attacks.

The Vermont Air National Guard gathered Friday in South Burlington for a reflective event honoring the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The ceremony brought together service members, including pilots and air crews who were on duty during the aftermath of the attacks. Officials said nearly 40 percent of the Vermont National Guard was born after Sept. 11, 2001, a reminder that much of today’s force knows the day only through history and the people who served through it.

That theme was echoed by Vermont National Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Henry Harder, who said the significance of the day goes beyond memory for younger troops and stands as part of the Guard’s legacy.

Retired Lt. Gen. William H. Etter, the event’s keynote speaker, recalled the tense hours that followed the attacks. He said the Vermont Air National Guard was tasked with launching F-16s to protect the skies, and that one aircraft in particular raised alarm as it traveled toward New York from Buffalo. Etter said orders were issued to bring the plane down if necessary, though it ultimately landed safely.

On Sept. 11, 2001, the Green Mountain Boys scrambled their fighters to ground zero within hours of the attacks on the Twin Towers. Their mission lasted 122 consecutive days as they helped defend the East Coast’s airspace.

The anniversary was also marked with statements from state and federal leaders. Gov. Phil Scott said the attacks killed nearly 3,000 Americans, injured thousands more, and left a lasting mark on the nation, while also pointing to the unity that followed in the days after. Rep. Becca Balint posted a video remembering people she knew who were killed that day, including one colleague at Windows on the World, one person aboard one of the hijacked planes, and another who was at the Twin Towers for work.

Sen. Peter Welch said the losses of 9/11 should be remembered by strengthening communities and neighbors, and Sen. Bernie Sanders paid tribute to the victims and the first responders who put their lives at risk to help others.