Email   Print   Share By Andy Bird, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Hood Deputy Commander

Facebook Digg Delicious September 6, 2012 | Editorial

“It was a day of tragedy, yet it had many miracles. It was a day filled with fear, but it was overcome by courage. It was a day of loss, yet it was strengthened by the unity of the country.”

- “9/11 Pentagon survivors recount their journey to survival” by Christie Vanover, September 2002

Patriot Day was signed into law Dec. 18, 2001, as a day to remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. This day is held in memory of the people who died during these tragic attacks in New York, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, Pa. Patriot Day is not a federal holiday, and schools and businesses do not close.

Tuesday marks the 11th year of that tragic day, when we remember the 3,000 people who were killed in 2001 when two hijacked civilian aircraft crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third hijacked aircraft crashed into the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C. A fourth hijacked aircraft crashed in southwestern Pennsylvania, after passengers tried to take control of the aircraft in order to prevent the hijackers from crashing the aircraft into an important symbol of democracy and freedom.

On this day, the president requests that the American Flag be flown at half-staff at individual American homes, at the White House and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments – both at home and abroad. The president also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time, 7:46 a.m. here) – the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center Sept. 11, 2001.

Traditionally, many people will observe that moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). Some communities, particularly in the areas directly affected by the attacks, hold special church services or prayer meetings. Those who personally experienced the events in 2001 or lost loved ones, may lay flowers or visit memorials.

Our country will also host numerous television specials to recount and memorialize the many acts of patriotism and individual heroism from the many civilians, first responders (police, fire and emergency medical services) and our military on that day in September 11 years ago.

Many people lived to tell about their stories of survival, or their story of a “hero” who gave their life so they and others survived. These are our true “patriots” who make Patriot Day a memorable and special day each year.

“A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.”

~George William Curtis

A patriot is a proud supporter or defender of his or her country, and its way of life. We describe people who demonstrate this as patriotic, or acting with upmost patriotism.

Two-thousand six-hundred and six people perished in or around the World Trade Center, along with 343 firefighters/paramedics and 23 members of the New York Police Department that fateful day in New York City. Flight 93 had 38 passengers, five flight attendants and two pilots on board when it crashed, and the Pentagon lost 125 victims, 70 of whom were civilians, and 55 military personnel.

We will never know all the untold accounts of heroism, and valor of the many patriots who stepped up that day to help preserve our way of life we so richly enjoy.

I’d ask that when you go out to work Tuesday, take a moment; go out of your way and say “Thank you for what you do” to a policeman, fireman, paramedic or Soldier; while also remembering those who gave their life on, and after 9/11, so we can enjoy another sunny day in Texas with our Family, friends and co-workers, not only for that moment of silence, but each and every day.

As a military community, we do not take our freedom for granted. In honor to all our Soldiers, Families, civilians, retirees and veterans in and around Fort Hood, thanks for your selfless service and commitment each and every day in service to our Country.

“If our country is worth dying for in time of war, let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace.”

~Hamilton Fish