September 11th; 18 Years Later
Today, our Nation pauses to reflect on 9/11. We tell the stories of where we were, how we heard about the attacks, and most importantly how we felt in those moments.
18 years have passed. Many of us have children that weren't born until after. It's hard for us to express exactly what was going on, especially with regards to the emotions we experienced. I'm certain that my Grandparents had the same issue when trying to explain December 7th to me when I was young.
In this picture you see what appears to be a simple wooden gate. Beyond this gate is a bolder (center of the picture). This bolder is the spot where Flight 93 made impact in Shanksville, Pa. This is the exact place where a handful of brave Americans saved countless lives by sacrificing their own. We visited this place a few years ago with the kids. Etched into my memory forever is the sight of my wife reliving the emotions she felt, and the respectful curiosity and understanding from our children. In that moment they got it.
As we teach our children the lessons we learned that day, it's equally important to teach them about September 12th, September 13th, September 14 and beyond. We need to pass on how it felt to suddenly and violently come together as a Nation of one. For those moments in time, we put aside all of the little petty things that divided us into unnecessary silos. Politics, race, gender, orientation, etc... All of these melted away, and suddenly our neighbors were Americans, nothing more, and certainly nothing less.
I challenge each of you (myself included) to put away the silos. Teach your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and all of the generations to follow to be Americans.
Senior Chief out.