Stand With One Another

Patriot Day, 2021

On September 11, the 20th observance of Patriot Day as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, Koch VETS will focus on the unifying effect the devastating terrorist attacks had on the citizens of this county.  And, because we lost any opportunity for closure regarding these attacks due to the recent disastrous exit from Afghanistan, we will also unite with military veterans and their families to help each other deal with wide-ranging emotions. 

“I would never wish for another 9/11, but I would give anything for another 9/12. The majority of America came together. It was the definition of ‘united.’” -- Dakota Meyer, USMC, Medal of Honor Recipient

Twenty years ago, four planes, hijacked by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda, were used as weapons against symbolic U.S. landmarks. Nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children lost their lives and over 6,000 people were injured. This single most defining event since Pearl Harbor shook our nation to her core. But it also instigated a surge of U.S. nationalism not seen since World War II and prompted this country’s longest military encounter.   

“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” -- Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl

Immediately after the terrorists struck their iconic targets, we stood collectively as one Nation. Regardless of race, color, or creed, we collectively confronted this new threat to our sovereignty showing our true strength to the rest of the world. Large numbers of patriots enlisted in the U.S. military to avenge the attack on our homeland. Even Congress set aside their partisanship while singing “God Bless America” on the Capitol steps. A few weeks later, our military was sent to Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and to deny them a safe base of operations. On August 31, 2021, after investing 20 years of blood and treasure, we witnessed the traumatic ending to operations in Afghanistan as the very people whom we removed from power returned to take control of the country.

When America is united, no force on Earth can break us apart. Our values endure; our people thrive; our Nation prevails; and the memory of our loved ones never fades.

The scars of this double tragedy are now more visible than ever: The attacks on 9/11 killed almost 3,000 people on that day, while surviving first responders still suffer debilitating illnesses. And the ensuing wars killed hundreds of thousands more, with the calamitous ending to Afghanistan operations putting a spotlight on mental health concerns for our military veterans and their families. As we commemorate the 9/11 victims and all the heroes who lost their lives saving others, we need to anticipate that it may be a difficult time for our first responder and military veteran communities. Many may still be fighting a little bit of their “war.”

The American flag will be flown at half-staff to remember those who died during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. 

Traditionally, on this national day of remembrance, a country-wide moment of silence is observed at 8:46 a.m. EDT, the time that American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. During this observance, we honor the memory of those who were killed in the September 11 attacks, and remember those who were injured resulting from this catastrophic event. This year, when we extend our hearts and hands to our first responders, we need to check in on our Gold Star families, veterans, our military colleagues, and their families, and remind them that their service mattered. They made a difference.

We should display our flags as a show of respect for the victims of 9/11, and for inspiration to renew our pursuit of liberty and justice for all.   

On the 20th anniversary of our nation’s most tragic day, we should fly our country’s flag as a patriotic way to remind ourselves we overcame these deadly attacks and to inspire us to renew our pursuit for liberty and justice for all. Furthermore, we need to rededicate ourselves to the ideals that define our country and unite us as one. In the same remarkable way, we came together after September 11, 2001, we should rekindle the common belief that our collective purpose is best achieved by standing with one another.

Charlie-Mike,

“Our Mission is Your Success”