rescue americans injured or killed in those events nine years ago. you know, i don't think there is a soldier here in the country, a soldier, sailor, marine, or airman who doesn't really know the events of that dale triggered the military action near afghanistan. it is part of their mission to hunt down al qaeda and those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and those who support al qaeda heand i think that has been the case here for nine longyears and will continue for as long as the mission continues in afghanistan. everyic service personnel or serviceman you talk to here in this country will constantly refer to the events of 9/11 and saying the reason we are here is so it won't happen again. alex? >> so, tom, it's a somber day there, yes? it's reflective? >> reporter: oh, absolutely. and even the afghans have been rather quiet. many people know very well the events of 9/11. many people sympathize with what happened on the events of 9/11.