Never Forget–Today or Tomorrow…a blog post close to heart

**I knew that on 9/11, my words would be inadequate compared to those of someone who currently works to protect our country and our freedom. Dane is back to give military perspective, but I’d like to thank all of those who are currently serving (and reading).

Looking back at September 11th, 2001, we can all remember where we were at that day. I was in my freshman/sophomore year of high school in American History class in Mississippi while Kait was in middle school (Geeze! Cradle robber, I know.) somewhere in Pennsylvania. On that day and the next, millions of Americans came together from all walks of life to mourn that day for the losses in PA, NY, and Washington, DC. I can say that today, I’ve been traveled to all three hallowed grounds to pay my respects. It wasn’t too long ago that I visited a field in western PA with Kait…a real sombering date. It was windy and quite chilly day in April. I had just graduated Army Ranger school, and felt it was important to see.

 While you haven’t forgotten, the real question is what have you done since then? John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

 I am one of the 1-2% who put on the uniform everyday. We all need to remember the sacrifices that have been made and are made today, including myself. I’m proud to have raised my hand to defend this country so that all of us can enjoy the freedoms we have today. I fight for my family, I fight for Kait, and I fight for you, too. And while there are hardships all around, I currently wouldn’t have it any other way. I wouldn’t have someone go in my place.

I ask that today you remember those from the past and the men and women of the present that serve in many different capacities at home and abroad, so that we may enjoy our freedom. Be proud to be an American. This country is great. I have seen the sacrifice first hand. I have given oaths to my soldiers who have volunteered their lives further for this cause. We don’t do this for the money or the fame–there is neither. We do it, because we are the best and so is this country. We are the true athlete warriors of our time. We don’t play for the World Series, the Stanley Cup, or the Superbowl. We are America’s true team. We are the reigning champs since 1776. Before you even decide to vote, which I encourage you do, remember you are an American first regardless of your political stance.

I fight for the future–ours and theirs.

For all those that passed away on that day, those we’ve lost along the way, and those that fight today.

We must never forget.