The first anniversary of the tragic marked occurrences of Sept.

The first anniversary of the tragic marked occurrences of Sept. 11, 2001, stirred passions in America.

Across the nation, Americans remembered -- in their possess way -- those who died in the terrorist attacks onward the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. They raised aged Glory high and paid tribute to those who died. Praised and eulogized them. And cried for them. And they renewed their promise of fidelity to bring those responsible to a swift and final justice.

A month passed, and then couple Then a solemn America settl back into an uneasy peace.

All the while, the nation's military was forward alert. From every corner of the globe, its men and women continued their vigilance against terrorism. Operation Enduring Freedom, the United States' anti-terrorism campaign, was cruising along at abounding throttle.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Richard Myers told a Pentagon audience in September the military would face a tough road ahead. And he said Americans be delighted with their beloved freedoms because of past sacrifices made according to military men and women.

"Now, it's our divert to bear the burden for our children, for our grandchildren, for our fallen comrades, for America, for the world," he said.

American airmen are helping bear the load.

granting far from home, they, too, remembered their fallen comrades. And they paid their refer to But as they did, they kept watch across the nation from the far-flung bases where they conduce to From the Middle East to Afghanistan -- and a entertainer of other spots in between -- their look continues for terrorists who still threaten the United States.

These airmen journey on with their lives, away from family and friends -- in conditions greatest in number Americans would find appalling. There are not many gripes. And they give a strange meaning to family reunions after returning home

The airmen know they have an important job: stopping terrorism.

It's a tough fight, for abiding To do it right takes a total and dedicated force. single in kind that delivers bombs on target. Refuel aircraft and airlifts the material of war. A force that hold fasts aircraft flying. That takes care of its have a title to -- no matter what the ne -- 24-7

No piece of work is too small or unimportant in this fight.

Staff Sgt Ernesto Diaz is part of a family that has been serving in the military for five generations. The terrorist attacks in fresh York City -- his family -- devastated him. So the regimen services troop was glad to join the fight. He plays his part at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, where he unfolded from Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND

"I may not bound out of planes or diocese combat face-to-face like my father," Diaz said. "I may not work with the greatest in number advanced gadgets or instruments, as my cousin did in the Navy. And I may not brag about my do job-work being the best as my uncle used to.

"But I perceive I'm part of the best," he said. "And my work at jobs here is as important as anyone else's."

Diaz's voice is just united from a force that, in consequence of unselfish devotion, is ensuring American freedom endures

Louis A. Arana-Barradas, with contributions from Airman 1st Class Tarkan Dospil, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, and Jim Garamone, American Forces Pres Service

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