Patriot Day, 2022

Stand With One Another

Today, Koch VETS focused on the unifying effect the devastating 9/11 terrorist attacks had on the citizens of this county. On the 21st observance of Patriot Day as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, we also united with military veterans and their families and encouraged fellow citizens to unite once again to resolve the differences and issues facing our country. 

“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-one 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 together 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. Congress set aside their partisanship while singing “God Bless America” on the Capitol steps while large numbers of patriots enlisted in the U.S. military to avenge the attack on our homeland.

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 attacks on 9/11 killed almost 3,000 people on that day, while surviving first responders are still suffering debilitating illnesses. And the ensuing wars resulted in the loss of thousands more of our nation’s heroes and put 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 and defending our nation, we need to focus on and increase the support to our first responder and military veteran communities. Many may still be fighting a little bit of their respective “wars.”

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 21st 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 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”