My 9/11 Remembrance day speech at Kutztown University Good morning everyone. I would like to thank Dr. Vargas, Kutztown University Faculty and Staff, as well as Students and guests of the college for taking time to remember the events which transpired on this day, 13 years ago. On September 11th, 2001, we saw the largest attack ever on American soil. Since memories can be influenced by traumatic events, I wont stand here and tell you about where I was, what I did, and who I talked to that day. What is more important is how this nation felt, and what has transpired since then. It is this information which I fear may be lost on newest students here at Kutztown University who may have been too young to remember that tragic day, and the actions which followed in months after 9/11. I think we owe it to this group of people, and to ourselves, to explain accurately how this country reacted. To me, that is the real story of 9/11. The reason I am here, is to share some of that story with you. The patriotism shown by the citizens of America in the weeks and months after 9/11 was simply amazing. American flags were everywhere, and where they were absent, yellow ribbons took their place. The flags represented the resolve of the American people to those watching from abroad. Yellow ribbons showed support for the troops, whose deployment was eminent. There was an enormous amount of support for both the New York Police and Fire Departments, which in turn, became support for the local police and fire companies. Flags and ribbons remained flying for those hard at work, both at home, and overseas. Those of us who went “over there” went with the knowledge that our nation supported us in our endeavors, even in spite of some doubts to our purpose. Believe me when I say that this part was important. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines cannot long endure the hardships of war and longing for home without purpose and direction, bolstered by the knowledge that their country backs their actions. However, somewhere along the line, this changed. Though I am sure there are many reasons for this change, it was disappointing for me, and the rest of us, to see this lack of visible support. Still, back then, and even to this day I have no doubt that the American public supports those of us who serve. Nonetheless, the outward support and patriotism faded. While the wars waxed and waned, America became distracted by other issues, some which were less important than the one at hand. Behind the scenes, our Law Enforcement, Security, Intelligence and Military were still hard at work keeping us safe to enjoy the freedoms to which we are accustomed. Our record as a nation stands for itself. Between 2001 and 2012, there have been at least 60 attempted attacks launched within our borders, only four of which were successful, the most notable, the Boston bombing of two years ago. It is estimated that there have been thousands more plots, which never came to fruition, that we will never know about. These attacks of the last 13 years have been thwarted because this nation and its citizens have remained vigilant in our countrys defense. This is partly due to the strong security in place that stands watch 24/7, 365. A security system made up of police, military, government personnel and perhaps most importantly, watchful citizens. While our record is not perfect, it is a record that demonstrates tangible success. When you consider that our enemy is in a constant state of evolution, it makes this record even more remarkable. What cannot be overlooked is that the reason our enemies are constantly changing is due to our triumphs in the past 13 years. This is a rate of accomplishment which I hope stands for the next century as evidence of our collective memory, and our resolve to promise, Never again. This record confirms that even though times change, and visible support diminishes, we will remain strong and vigilant. I will never forget the most moving time in my life, between my call to active service on this date 13 years ago, and my first of what would be six trips to the Middle East, less than one month later. When neighbors stood together and put aside their differences to come together as a nation, as friends. Just 13 years later, debates rage on as to whether or not both battles fought in the years following 9/11 were won, or even if they were both necessary. People are focused on handing out grades to the individuals who are the architects of the wars in which we fought. We look toward our next fight even though we are not sure where, or against whom that fight will take place. What I am here to remind you of is the comradery, the support, and the love shown directly after 9/11. So let us remember today not only in memorial of a horrific attack against us, but also celebrate today as a new dawn of a united America in the face of adversity. Let us remain vigilant and strive to remain united, support one another and show brotherly love to our fellow Americans. Several times over weve earned our patriotism in blood and yet we as a people continue to let the constancy of that knowledge slip away. Let us take a step forward today as a generation that stands guard and will not let that happen anymore. Never Forget is not a decal on a car or silk screen on a shirt. It is a promise. A promise we all must actively work to honor. Thank you to those special people who helped me with this process. You know who you are.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:13:31 +0000
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