September 11, 2001- Patriotic Day
I remember that morning like yesterday. I was on my way to work when my mom called my cell. She told me what had happened, and I was shocked. As I arrived at the office, a group of co-workers hovered around a TV silently watching as our world changed before our eyes. As each moment slipped by, the tragedy grew as the towers fell.
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 are etched in my memory forever.
Since that day, our world has changed. We no longer have the freedoms we once knew. Terrorism became a household word. People began displaying symbols of freedom everywhere. Flags flew from cars on freeways and hung from overpasses. Flag stickers were pasted on windows, shopping carts, light poles, backpacks… all silently declaring that we are still united. We continue to stand as the United States of America.
We stood together in unity of purpose on that day and in the days that followed. This September 11, we remember and we honor.
Today we honor and remember those who lost their lives. We honor those who gave their lives. We honor all men and women who served in uniform on that day. Police, fire, military…all who served and sacrificed. We thank you from a sincere heart for what you did to preserve the lives of individuals, the lives of neighbors, the lives of Americans.
Today we also honor the men and women who continue to serve.
For our military. Those who keep us safe and secure, whether on American soil or in foreign lands. You train hard and do things most of us will never have to endure, all to serve us. We thank you for the hard work you do each and every day as you uphold your vows to serve and defend this great nation. Today we honor you and thank you.
For our police departments. You daily risk your lives as you keep order, and continue to uphold the laws of our civilized society. We thank you that you are there…just a phone call away…when we need you to come to our aid. We thank you that you get up at midnight and put your uniform on and patrol our cities so that others can sleep in peace. Today we honor you and thank you.
For our fire departments and paramedics. We thank you for your civic participation as you teach little school children about fire safety. We thank you for coming to the aid of auto accident victims to give them a chance for survival when tragedy strikes. We thank you for running into burning buildings, searing forests, and smoke enveloped air to rescue lives. We honor you and thank you today.
For our Leaders– From our president all the way to our city council. Today we honor you and thank you. You have to make the hard choices on how to lead the people. You have to endure criticism from friends and enemies. You are the ones who stand up and become accountable for the things that most of us lack the courage to decide. You walk into your office each day with more on your agenda than one human could tackle. You are the ones whose lives are sliced opened and dissected, laid bare for the world to see. For your perseverance, your diligence, and your personal sacrifice- today we honor and thank you.
The United States of America is today a great nation. Yes, we are in a time of great testing. We are in a time of uncertainty. We are in a time where our politics and beliefs can divide us. We are in a time of decision making and crossroads. Regardless of what we go through, we still stand together. Together, today, let us thank and honor all those who lead us. Let us thank and honor all those who protect and defend us.
Let us be the “One nation, under God, indivisible, With liberty and justice for all”
Today we remember and say thank you.