Marines honor 9/11 Anniversary

Marines honor 9/11 Anniversary

“Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts … these acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong.”

These words spoken by President George W. Bush in his address to the nation on the evening of Sept. 11, 2001, described a series of events that transpired earlier that day that would prove to change America and its people.

     Approximately 3,000 lives were lost as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that day, and many more lives were altered or impacted, either directly or indirectly.

In the months after this tragic day in American history, citizens of our nation flew American flags outside their homes, on their cars and in public memorials. It brought about a sense of national pride and unity that had not been seen since the days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor more than 60 years ago.

This event also changed operations within our military and saw Marines deploy to Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terrorism. It is important to praise the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.

Saturday, designated Patriot Day by President Bush, is the third anniversary of this life-altering event that, to many, is still fresh within their memories and prayers. Although there are no public memorials scheduled to commemorate Sept. 11 aboard the Depot, all are encouraged to observe this occasion and what it has meant to American society over the last three years.

In the words of President Bush, “none of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.”