This Friday, in honor of Patriot Day and National Day of Service and
Remembrance the VFW pauses to remember the 2,977 Americans who tragically lost
their lives 14 years ago, and to offer our gratitude to America’s Newest
Greatest Generation.
Intended to weaken America and dampen her spirit, the attacks on 9/11 instead
serve to unite citizens and prove to the world that not only will we overcome,
but that we will emerge stronger than ever.In what has truly become one of our finest hours, we boldly stood as a
nation and refused to succumb to fear or despair.
In the wake of the ruthless attacks and the utter chaos that followed, America
stood tall. Though there is no doubt that the memory of the innocent Americans
who perished as a result of the attacks on that fateful day will remain etched
in our minds, the heroic acts of that day will remain just as enduring. Rescue personnel
and ordinary citizens became true heroes that day, in some cases, sacrificing
their own lives to help complete strangers. And as the dust settled and America
rallied her forces, a new generation of service members answered the call to
duty. From the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, these men and
women selflessly put their lives on the line to protect ours, and we are
forever grateful.
Since that tragic day, there’s no denying that America has changed. Two
wars later, thousands of our nation’s finest have paid the ultimate price
defending our freedom, and thousands more have returned home bearing the
physical and mental scars of battle.
While America still faces threats to our way
of life, September 11 serves as an eternal reminder of our patriotism and
strength. America will always stand united and proud in the face of our
enemies.
This Patriot Day and National Day of Service
and Remembrance, the VFW encourages all Americans to take a moment to remember
the victims of the 9/11 attacks and give thanks to all those who have and
continue to selflessly sacrifice to ensure our way of life endures.