The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 affected Americans globally in a way that no other tragedy in our modern era had previously.

Where were you when terrorists hijacked planes and declared war on our country; little did any of us know, it would submerge the United States in to the longest conflict in history.

“No mission to difficult, no sacrifice too great – duty first; the motto of the 1st Infantry Division is perhaps the most fitting way to describe the heroic actions of our nation, our first responders, our army and our Big Red One soldiers and families,” said Deputy Commanding General Patrick Frank, 1st Infantry Division.

Melissa Stifter recalled being in high school on September 11, 2001 – but she did not foresee the direct impact the war on terror would have on her future family.

“He was a strong man, and he was older when he joined the military, but he wanted to be able to help [his country],” said Stifter tearfully remembering her late husband SGT Joseph F. Stifter Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Tea, 1st Infantry Division.

SGT Stifter died in combat in Iraq on January 28, 2016.

J. Stifter was amongst those honored in the 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony on Fort Riley Sunday morning; many soldiers whom knew Sgt Stifter personally were in attendance.

“We were pretty close, all of us that were in Iraq [together] were really close” said SSG Tylor Enright, Bravo 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. “He was very loving, very dedicated, and he was a soldier…we all miss Sgt Stifter…but we know that he is smiling down on us right now and that he appreciates everything that everybody is doing for him and his family.”

J. Stifter’s name was added to a memorial with the names of  214 other soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley that paid the ultimate sacrifice in the war on terror.

“The soldiers that we lost…those soldiers still remain a part of the 1st Infantry Division; just as we always say in our Warrior Ethos, ‘no comrade is left behind’, and we truly believe that – that’s why we have ceremonies like we had here today where we honor the sacrifice of those soldiers that we lost from the 1st Infantry Division and we continue to keep their families as a part of our family here at 1 id,” said Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, General Patrick Frank.

In the midst of the heart-wrenching ceremony remembering the lives of the many fallen heroes, there was the smile and innocence of a child – Olivia Stifter – that gave everyone a little hope.

“It will be tough to explain [it] to her, but I think [ceremonies like this] will help her understand and help her realize how great of a dad she had,” said Melissa Stifter, mother to Olivia who will be three in October.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 didn’t end on that day, they didn’t end with the collapse of two buildings – they took the lives of countless civilians, first responders and military personnel.

To all of those working day in and day out toward keeping us safe – thank you for your tireless, selfless duty to our cities, counties, states and our nation – thank you.

**Gold Star lapel pins are presented to surviving spouses, parents and immediate family members of military personnel killed in combat.**