09/11/2020
Patriot Day
Remembering Sept 11, 2001
By Patrecia Williams, United States Retired
Sept. 11, 2001, changed more than the skyline of New York City - the attacks changed a generation of Americans, our Armed Forces and Government Civilians and Contractors, and our world. A beautiful September morning was marred by stark disbelief, agonizing sorrow, and profound suffering.
We now observe Patriot Day annually on September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance for the thousands of lives lost in the 9/11 attacks. On this National Day of Service and Remembrance and solemn anniversary, we pause in remembrance, in reflection, and once again in unity.
On a day that began like so many others, a clear blue sky was pierced by billowing black smoke as a wave of grief crashed over us. Many Americans vividly recall the precise moment when terrorists killed our fellow Americans at the World Trade Center in New York City; at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; and on a quiet field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania fellow Americans from the wreckage of the attacks, the passengers and crew of United Flight 93.
Courageous firefighters rushed into an inferno, brave rescue workers charged upstairs, and coworkers carried others to safety. People drove across the country to volunteer, donors lined up to give blood, and organizations collected food and clothing. And in our Nation's hour of need, millions of young Americans raised in a time of peace volunteered to don the uniforms of our country's military and defend our values around the world.
Courageous firefighters rushed into an inferno, brave rescue workers charged upstairs, and coworkers carried others to safety. People drove across the country to volunteer, donors lined up to give blood, and organizations collected food and clothing. And in our Nation's hour of need, millions of young Americans raised in a time of peace volunteered to don the uniforms of our country's military and defend our values around the world.
America will never forget the September tragedy that shook our Nation's core 19 years ago. Against the backdrop of cowardly acts of terror, America once again demonstrated to the world the unmatched strength of our resolve and the indomitable power of our character. America’s strength, courage, and compassion, however, never wavered. But in one of our darkest moments, we summoned strength and courage, and out of horrible devastation emerged the best of our humanity.
As we come together once more to mourn their loss, we also recall how the worst terrorist attack in our history brought out the true character of the American people. Americans today even in the COVID 19 epidemic and racial injustices occurring in distant cities and local towns united in common purpose, demonstrating the spirit of our Nation.
Today and every day, we remember all those we lost on that day and the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed, we must strive to carry forward their legacy.
We will always be grateful for the heroic men and women of our Armed Forces who fought in defense of our country in the aftermath of the largest terrorist attack on American soil, and we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our liberty and freedom. We remember the patriots who endure in the hearts of our Nation and their families who have known the awful depths of loss.
In their spirit, let us resolve to move forward together and rededicate ourselves to the ideals that define our nation as we work to strengthen our communities and better our world.
