From The Archives: You’re My Hero

As I sit here and reflect on the 12 years it’s been since that fateful morning on September 11, 2001, there’s only one word that comes to mind and that’s patriotism.

Yes, we can all remember where we were, what we were doing, who we were with and how we watched the day unfold, but something else sticks out to me. Before 9/11, I never remember seeing yellow ribbons everywhere and I don’t recall seeing as many homes with flags hung proudly outside. Of course, Americans celebrated Memorial Day, Fourth of July and other notoriously patriotic holidays with their red, white and blue–but their patriotism seemed to be kept on the inside on most other days. For some today, that still stands true–but not for me and certainly not for Dane and all those serving this great nation. Today, yellow ribbons can be seen just about everywhere. Flags fly outside homes, businesses and retailers as a mark of pride. And people everywhere rejoice daily in freedoms, such as speech, internet, voting and so many more.

Today? Today I am thankful.

As I type this, mere hours away from saying “see you later”, I have never been more proud of or honored to know (and love!) someone so close to the fight for our daily freedoms.

Dane,

My own personal knight in shining armour camo 🙂

Today, and every day, I am so thankful for everything that you do to keep us safe. You put your country and fellow Americans before yourself and just the thought of that is humbling beyond words. It seems hard to imagine, but each day I am more proud of you, your accomplishments and your dedication. I could never thank you enough for all that you’ve done and all that you do.

You are my hero.

Love,

Kait