Most Americans will never forget where they were on September 11, 2001. I know I will never forget. I was about to head into a sales meeting at my office when I received a phone call alerting me to the news. I cancelled the meeting and proceeded to watch the events unfold on TV. My brother was serving in Congress at the time and I was not able to get in contact with him until later that afternoon. It was a very frightening time.
I remember as the world watched in horror as the Twin Towers fell and the Pentagon was struck, I also remember when we learned that courageous men and women aboard Flight 93 sacrificed their lives in order to stop the terrorists from reaching their intended target.
As clouds of smoke and dust descended on lower Manhattan, we stood helplessly by as first responders heroically rushed into the chaos in hopes of saving as many lives as possible.
The tragic events of September 11th left a piercing wound on our nation. Yet, as resilient Americans, we joined together to overcome tragedy. Our country moved against forces of evil to defend the freedom we hold so dearly.
Even though the wounds have begun to heal over time, we will never forget what happened that day. In the initial shock, Americans felt fear and vulnerability, but quickly united as a nation with strength and vigilance.
9/11 Memorial outside of the Indiana Statehouse
I ask you to join me in taking a moment today to pause, reflect and pray for the victims, their families and all those who serve to protect our nation. The lives that were lost on that fateful day will not be forgotten.
God Bless America!
