Today, as we all reflect on the attacks that occurred on American soil 14 years ago, we honor and remember all of our brave Americans who willingly gave their lives that freedom might live, and especially focus on those who perished on September 11th, 2001.
Among the nearly 3,000 who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, and the 184 who died in the Pentagon, nine were members of the U.S. Army Reserve Family. Five Citizen Soldiers and members of the New York City Fire Department died saving the lives of thousands of others at the World Trade Center; two who died in Tower Two - a Judge Advocate General Officer and a retired colonel who rescued all but six of his firm’s 2,700 employees before losing his life going back for the rest. We also lost one Active Guard Reserve (AGR) and one retired AGR colonel who perished at their posts, which just happened to be the point of impact at the Pentagon.
Their passing was only the beginning of the Army Reserve’s role in the Global War on Terror. Immediately after the series of tragic events, Army Reserve Soldiers in the Pentagon and in New York swung into action to find survivors, help the injured, and assist in rescue operations. There have been many lives lost and injuries sustained over the last fourteen years, and nearly 18,000 personnel continue to support combatant commanders across the globe today.
Each of them - those who died, and those who still serve - are patriots whose heroic service continues the unbroken line of Citizen Soldiers who have fought for freedom in every major conflict in which our Nation has been engaged, from Lexington and Concord to the present day.
So, we give thanks for our patriots, past and present, and we remember all those who died in New York, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon, in the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq, to ensure the triumph of freedom over tyranny.
Twice the Citizen, Army Strong!