Sep 09, 2014
This week, we honor Patriot Day and the 2,977 Americans who tragically lost their lives 13 years ago.
Since that fateful day, we have fought in two wars. Thousands of our nation’s finest have paid the ultimate price defending our freedom, and thousands more have returned home bearing the physical and mental scars of battle.
The 9/11 attacks were meant to weaken America and dampen her spirit. Instead, Americans united and proved that not only will we not be defeated, but that we will emerge stronger than ever. We rediscovered our devotion to our country and to our neighbors that day. We boldly stood as a nation, and refused to succumb to fear or despair. It truly became one of our finest hours.
Though there is no doubt that the memory of the innocent Americans who perished as a result of the attacks on that fateful day will remain etched in our minds, the heroic acts of that day will remain just as enduring.
In the wake of the ruthless attacks and the utter chaos that followed, our nation stood tall. We witnessed rescue personnel and ordinary citizens become true heroes that day, in some cases, sacrificing their own lives to help complete strangers.
As the dust settled and America rallied her forces, a new generation of service members answered the call to duty. For 13 years now, the men and women who selflessly put their lives on the line to answer that call have helped to better protect us from such merciless attacks.
But there’s no question that America will still face threats to our way of life, whether it be overseas or right here on American soil. However, September 11 serves as an eternal reminder that we must act to ensure that forces of ignorance and hatred never prevail, and that we will never allow anyone to take our freedom. America will always stand united and proud in the face of our enemies.
Please, take a moment this week to reflect on everything that’s changed since September 11, 2001. Take a moment to remember the victims and those who’ve selflessly sacrificed to ensure our way of life remains.