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Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith addresses the crowd at a memorial service at Northeastern State University. The sea of U.S. flags represents the victims of September 11, 2001, including Brian Moss, a Cherokee citizen from Sperry, OK. (Photo courtesy of Northeastern State University)

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation, Northeastern State University, and the city of Tahlequah held a joint memorial ceremony at NSU's Beta Field to honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the events of September 11, 2001.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, Tahlequah Mayor Jerry Cook and NSU President Larry Williams served as guest speakers.

"We gather to reflect on how truly blessed and fortunate we are to live in the United States of America and to reflect and recognize the contributions of the men and women of this community that serve, protect, and defend us," Cook said in his opening remarks.

"This morning marks one year since the devastating terrorist attacks on our country and the events of that horrible Tuesday morning are still difficult to understand or comprehend," Williams said.

"We will never forget where we were, what we were doing or who we were with," Cook said.

Although the terrorist attacks of 9-11 changed American lives forever, the message from the Tahlequah leaders was clear: America's future is bright and Americans are more united than ever before.

"One very difficult year has passed, but our dream and our vision for America will never be diminished or blurred, never," Cook said.

"We are Cherokees, but we are also Americans and this unprovoked attack both saddened and angered us," Smith said. "We felt sorrow for the families of the thousands of victims, and our prayers went out to the wounded, the dying and the families of the dead. We felt anger at the monsters who conceived and executed such a ruthless plan. In every American war since the War Between the States, Cherokees have fought beside our American neighbors to protect our land and our liberty."

The Cherokee people, like so many others in the United States, experienced loss in the terrorist attacks. A Cherokee tribal member was killed, serving his country.

"On September 11, 2001, Cherokee Warrior and U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Brian Moss gave his all for his government," Smith said. "He was killed while on duty at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Brian Moss showed his patriotism for the Cherokee Nation and the United States on September 11. Today, we remember Brian Moss and the thousands of other Americans who lost their lives a year ago."

The ceremony included a standing ovation to honor those who serve and protect our community, including police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical service personnel and members of the military.

"While this day will never be forgotten, we must turn our attention to what lies ahead," Williams said in conclusion.