It's taken some time this morning to truly find the right words to express this day. And I've come to the conclusion that there really is no right wording. 15 years ago today, terrorists boarded four different flights: two of them hitting the towers, one hitting the Pentagon, and one taken down into a field by a group of passengers overpowering the hijackers. Every passenger, flight crew, and pilot was a hero in some way that day. On September 11, 2001, thousands of people would loose their lives: workers in the towers, workers in the Pentagon, first responders: firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and everyone that boarded those four planes that day. They would forever miss major life events, families would be torn apart, and our nation would be forever changed.
Now I'm going to shed some light on a slightly different subject. A few weeks ago, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, and more athletes following would sit, kneel, or not pay tribute to our national anthem. And yes, while they are supporting a cause because they believe they are being oppressed, they do have the right to do this. However, having the right to do something doesn't mean you actually should. The anthem that they can't stand to respect is the same anthem that brought us together after a national tragedy. The same anthem that brought this country together and support an offensive attack on the terrorist group responsible for 9/11. So while we all have the freedom to protest, we must remember what our flag, our anthem, and our freedom stands for. We are a nation of solidarity, especially when our own people are attacked. Mr. Kaepernick, might you remember this day the next time you decide to sit during the national anthem.
Thousands gone, but never forgotten. May they rest in peace, may their families be given a sense of comfort on this terrible day. May the terrorists be reminded that we are not a country that takes kindly to terrorism. May the athletes who choose not to respect the anthem remember the true meaning of this day. And may Americans remember that we are not a nation divided but a nation that stands together in peace and war. God bless all Americans, and God bless the friends and family affected by the tragedy of this day.
