September 11, 2001, a day that will forever live in infamy.
This date means many things to a lot of different people. Twenty years ago, some lost their sons and daughters, others lost their parents and friends, and many of us watched as 2,977 lives were lost and time seemed to crawl to a halt.
Twenty years later, many can recall, in detail, not only where we were when we saw the 9/11 terrorist attack but also how it felt. First responders leaped into action, followed their training, and did everything they could to save the lives of their neighbors.
Our nation rallied around our patriotism as we mourned the lives lost in the attack. Flags were hung across banisters, on porches, and just about anywhere they could be flown. We were a nation mourning, but the love for our friends and neighbors ran deep.
Today, I continue to see this same bravery, comradery, and selflessness that I saw 20 years ago. Just this past month, our neighbors in Humphreys County suffered an absolutely devastating flood that sent shockwaves through the community as families lost their homes and even their loved ones.
Nearly two decades later, our first responders, without hesitation, could be found rushing into harm's way - just like those brave New York first responders did - to save people just like me and you in a disaster that changed the lives of many.
Sept. 11 also forced us to make haste of the fact that violent terrorists wanted to do harm to our county. We continue to face this fact every day as we turn on the news to learn of the latest unrest that our military forces are actively confronting.
This 9/11, we also thank and praise the service members at Fort Campbell who continue to fight the “War on Terror” and put themselves in harm's way for the love of their fellow neighbors. With great thanks, we humbly honor our local soldiers, firefighters, police, and other first responders who stand ready to protect us when their duty to our community calls.
I challenge us all to have the courage and humility to put others before ourselves, just like the brave souls who perished in 9/11 did. We have a lot to learn from those individuals and even more to reflect on this weekend.
Thank you all, and thank God for blessing this great community and this great country.