Vivid memories and somber reflections marked an emotional ceremony at Defense Health Agency headquarters on Friday as the military medical community remembered and honored the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"There are days that we commit ourselves to remembering events that we wish had never happened. September 11th will forever remain one of those awful days for the United States," said DHA Director Army Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ronald Place during the ceremony at DHA headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.

The ceremony drew a small cadre of military leaders and health care professionals at the event, while hundreds of others from across the Military Health System attended virtually. This year marks 20 years since 2,977 people lost their lives in the attacks on New York City and the Pentagon.

Place encouraged those in attendance and those watching online not only to remember those lost on that fateful day, but also to remember and take inspiration from the first responders whose selfless efforts likely saved thousands more.

"We need to remember this day, and for many reasons," Place said. "First, to honor those whose lives were cut short, violently and unexpectedly. Individuals who were non-combatants in every sense of the word. Second, the individual stories of heroism and sacrifice that took place that day and need to be told and re-told. Not just for their families and friends, but for each of us. Those stories make us think about our own responsibilities in a crisis and about how 'ready' we are – as individuals and organizations to respond on a moment's notice.

For many in the military medical community, 9/11 resulted in a call to service, including Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jeremy Harness, who is currently assigned to DHA's Administration and Management Directorate.

"We all remember where we were on September 11th, 2001. I was a young man working as a paramedic at the Glen Ellyn Fire Department just west of Chicago, Illinois," recounted Harness. "I remember being glued to the television watching the horrific images of New York being broadcast. Watching in complete bewilderment and confusion, not thinking the images I was seeing could get any worse; just then I saw the second plane hit the south tower."

Harness said he also remembers the outpouring of pride and patriotism in the days that followed – American flags hung on front porches, "United We Stand," bumper stickers on cars – and how the nation seemed to come together as one.