Thank You, America

The attacks on September 11, 2001 and the choices our nation's leaders made in the days following, changed our lives in ways none of us could have imagined. Today, I'm choosing to look forward, not back. I'm setting intentions to change the next 11 years in ways I can't imagine now, but know are possible. I will never forget - how could we? But I'll stop and linger only a moment on those memories and honor those who've given of themselves... 

Eleven years ago today, many great Americans gave their lives - heroes, all of them.

And since that day, many Americans have continued to dedicate their lives in the preemptive defense of our nation to find the root of terrorism and disrupt its spread. Much of today's focus will be on those we've lost and our military as America will remember to honor and appreciate our fallen innocents, our service members and veterans.

I've received many messages of gratitude for my service but as a soldier and veteran, I feel compelled to point out that I chose to serve in this capacity and I'm just as grateful for those who chose other ways in which to serve. Not all of our heroes are associated with military service...

Others, too, have served our country;

From police officers, firefighters, medics, nurses, doctors to the 911 operators, administrative specialists, IT technicians that keep our public safe, healthy and productive, all of these too, have served.

From teachers, professors and mentors to the janitors, bus drivers, cafeteria employees that help make it all happen, they too, have served to help mold and shape the minds of our nation's greatest resource - our children.

From corporations, small businesses and entrepreneurs to volunteers, admin assistants and interns, who have continued to innovate, create and improve the economy of our nation, they too, have served.

From pastors, rabbis and spiritual leaders to church-goers and faith-seekers who have continued to pray, spread good will and foster community thereby providing living examples of peace, civility and neighborly-love to cultures where this seems impossible, they too, have served.

From editors, journalists, reporters and photographers, camera crews and assistants who have dedicated their careers and sometimes put themselves in harm's way without security only to be unappreciated and denigrated, even as they reinforce and provide a forum for exercising part of the First Amendment, they too, have served.

And it doesn't stop there - America is so much more...

Today, is not just a day of remembrance, it is a day of awareness - acknowledgement. It is a day of celebration! Today, I honor every American and immigrant who abides in the "American Dream" -this once improbable concept of the innate, nay, divine right of every human soul to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Thank you, my fellow Citizens, for your unconquerable spirit, indomitable patriotism and fervent service to our nation, and for reflecting to the world the best of who we are as Americans. It is with great pride and honor that I serve our country alongside you.

US Army Reserve Reenlistment Ceremony, 2010