SEPTEMBER 11 - ONE YEAR ON: From airforce personnel at Fairford to schoolchildren in Swindon, the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the US which changed the world was a day for quiet contemplation.

Dominic Ponsford reports.

ON a clear summer morning, just like the one shattered in New York a year ago by two Boeing 767s, US air force personnel and their families at RAF Fairford remembered the 3,784 people killed on September 11.

Fairford was one of 300 US airbases around the world which chose to mark the anniversary with an official ceremony.

Beginning with the normal reveille bugle call to start the military day at 7am, a seven-strong flag party of honour guards raised the US flag and RAF ensign before lowering them again to half mast.

Chief Petty Officer Kim Kilby, from GCHQ in Cheltenham, then lit the September 11 flame which was left to burn throughout the day.

As 60 of the 170 US air force personnel based at Fairford stood to attention Sgt Trevor Correia read out a statement to mark this, America's first annual Patriot Day.

He said: "Those who we lost on September 11 will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts and in the history of our nation.

"As we mark the first anniversary of that tragic day, we remember their sacrifice and we commit ourselves to honouring their memory by pursuing peace and justice in the world and security at home."

Among those taking part in yesterday's ceremony was Major Vincent Buquicchio, 36, from Long Island, New York.

A classmate from college and five people from his home town were among those who died in the World Trade Centre attacks.

He said: "My brother-in-law worked in the World Trade Centre in 1993 when there was an explosion in the car park.

"I didn't realise he had moved since then to different office.

"I've also got a few friends and colleagues who live and work in Manhattan so it was a pretty tense hour or so while I found out whether they were okay.

"It's hard to believe it has been a year because so much has changed.

"Especially in the three to four months after 9-11 there was a huge sense that we have got a mission to do and that we are ready to do it. It has changed everyone's perspective on why we are here."

The commemoration ceremonies at Fairford continued with a service at 3pm in the base chapel.

The day concluded with the extinguishing of the September 11 flame at 5pm and the sounding of Taps, the bugle call known as The Last Post.

Lieutenant Colonel Max Rothman has been commander of the 424th Air Base Squadron at Fairford since April.

When asked how he felt the events of last year had affected his personnel he said: "I think the attitude is unchanged, we remain committed to what we do.

"We remain committed to ensuring freedom and democracy rights around the world. We remain committed to the UK as we are here in the UK and have that special relationship in serving both of our countries' interests."

Firefighters based at Swindon stations marked the day by observing a minute's silence at 1.46pm the time the first plane hit the World Trade Centre.

Prayers were also said at special church services around Swindon and members of the town's Catholic congregations lit candles in memory of the dead.