Oklahomans Honor Veterans Killed in Murrah Building Bombing, Ft. Hood Shootings

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Soldiers who died last week at Fort Hood and airmen who died 14 years ago in the Oklahoma City bombing were honored during Veterans Day ceremonies in Oklahoma.

From the haunting bugle blow to the laying of wreaths, many reflected on the sacrifices made by thousands of U.S. soldier, both presently and in the past.

"We remember two of our own airmen who gave their lives 14 years ago on this spot," said LT. Col. David Terrinoni, Chaplain-Tinker Air Force Base.

That spot was formerly the Murrah Federal Building, which before 9/11, was the worst act of terrorism on American soil. Airman 1st Class Cartney J. McRaven and Airman 1st Class LaKesha R. Levy were both killed in the bombing.

"This event is part of our lives, and our time here today is to remember and to re-dedicate ourselves to what this memorial stands for," said Maj. Gen. P. David Gillett Jr.,commander, Tinker Air Force Base.

Across town, National Guardsmen marched in unison outside the 45 Infantry Division Museum as veterans saluted, and from the Brigadeer General, high praise for the American soldier.

"If it wasn't for the American soldier, our teachers couldn't teach, our preachers couldn't preach. None of our jobs or self-government or our way of life would even exist," said Brig. Gen. Ricky Adams, Oklahoma National Guard.

Soldiers like WWII veteran and retired Col. Pendleton "Pen" Woods whose contributions in World War II were acknowledged on Veteran's Day at a ceremony at the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame.

"It recognizes the people who have played a role in the defense of relations over the years," Woods said.

Colonel Woods shared his memories as a prisoner of war and the resolve of his fellow comrades.

"Anytime they came in to move somebody, we'd lock arms. If they'd get one of us, they'd take us all. Well, they came in and they got one of us," Woods said.

And yet another reminder of what many have heard their entire lives was summed up yet again by Tinker Chaplain David Terrinoni

"We remember that freedom isn't free," Terrinoni said.

Many also acknowledged the fallen soldiers in the Fort Hood attack. Major General Gillett said in his remarks that our debt to them is beyond measure.

At the ceremony at the 45th Infantry Division, a single shot from a World War II-era cannon was fired in honor of the 13 Army soldiers killed at Fort Hood.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.