PATRIOT DAY, 2020 - Stand With One Another

Tomorrow, Patriot Day 2020, Koch VETS will focus on the unifying effect the devastating terrorist attacks had on the citizens of this county.  And, we will encourage our fellow citizens to unite again to resolve the differences and issues facing this country today.

“The enemy attempted to tear at the fabric of our society by destroying our buildings and murdering our innocent, but our strength has not and will not waiver.” -- President Donald J. Trump

On September 11, 2001, 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. The loss of life and damage caused by the coordinated suicide attack, forms the biggest act of terrorism ever on U.S. soil, and the deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in our history. This awful day 19 years ago shook our nation to her core, but also brought Americans together as they had not come together since World War II.  

September 11, 2001 was the deadliest day in history for New York City firefighters: 343 firefighters and paramedics were killed.

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. Even Congress set aside their partisanship while singing “God Bless America” on the Capitol steps. 

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.

Traditionally, on this 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 our annual moment of silence, we remember those who perished or were injured resulting from this catastrophic event. This year, however, we need to reflect on the spirit of the first responders. We need to lend a hand to someone in need, choose to become kinder, accept our differences, and become stronger because of our diversity.

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

Also, although Patriot Day is not a federal holiday, the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff until sunset. Citizens are also encouraged to display flags at their homes. Flying our flag is a patriotic way to remind ourselves we overcame the deadly attacks on September 11, 2001, but it can also be an inspiration to renew our pursuit for liberty and justice for all.

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.   

As we commemorate the 9/11 victims and all the heroes who lost their lives saving others, 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 following the terrorist attacks, we need to collectively confront today’s foreign and domestic threats and challenges. And, we should rekindle the common belief that our collective purpose is best achieved by standing with one another rather than against each other.

Charlie-Mike,

“Our Mission is Your Success”

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