This morning at 9 a.m., a 9/11 memorial ceremony was held at the American Legion Post 104 Headquarters on Oakleigh Avenue in Appomattox.

Approximately 60 people attended the 45-minute ceremony and listened to the keynote address delivered by guest speaker Major General Scott G. West, United States Army (Retired). West is a current resident of Appomattox County.

West spoke of being present at the Pentagon in Arlington as a Colonel in the U.S. Army on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, and was 100 yards away from where Flight 77 slammed into the building. His Army unit didn't lose anyone in the terrorist attack but he said they all lost "friends and comrades."

"The plane came in at 9:35 (a.m.) or thereabouts into the Pentagon," West recalled. "It was about five hours before I could get word out to my family that I was still alive. ... I finally made it home at about midnight that night and there was a message waiting on me. And the message said, 'Colonel West, be at your post at 0600 (6 a.m.) on the 12th of September. The uniform is Battle Dress Uniform.' ... the nation was at war."

In summary, West also said that although some people are currently trying to tear down the foundations of America, he hopes that future generations will be willing to preserve the country's freedoms against the "enemies at the gate" as others who came before them while making necessary changes to make America an even greater place to live.

During his speech, West acknowledged the presence of emergency personnel and veterans in attendance as well as other citizens. At least seven veterans raised their hands when West asked who in the crowd had served the United States during the Vietnam War.

Find out more in the upcoming issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Pick up a copy or subscribe at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to view the full article in the e-edition version.

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