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9.11 Tribute

September 11^th remembrance, by Technical Sergeant Joseph McGinnis

 Two hundred and thirty four years ago, people with a desire to be free came together. They wanted a better life for themselves, their families and were willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice to ensure their beliefs were protected. That way of life and mentality was made evident by the lives that were given for the cause; and their commitment to that way of life was made obvious to the world through the signing of the Constitution.  Millions of people have traveled from all over the world to be a part of something great. People arrive to America from every nationality, color, race, creed and religion. For this goal of Freedom!

 Since the revolutionary war, the very foundation of this grand experiment has been the freedom. The strength of this nation has been tested twice; once on Sunday Dec 7, 1941 and the other just eight short years ago to this very day, Sept 11 2001.

I am Technical Sergeant Joseph McGinnis stationed at Hickam AFB. I've been asked to speak to you today about what 9/11 has done to us as a country and military. Despite the tragic events of September 11^th, I can confidently say that it has brought us together. It has joined a nation with its military and we both have changed. The citizens’ of America; once again reveres its military forces and the military appreciates our nation.

The intent of Sept 11, 2001 by terrorist was to create fear, despair and intimidation. The terrorists have failed.  Instead this country unified. The word patriotism was alive and well, while car loads young men and women were enlisting in the military and doing their part to protect this country and those whom embrace its existence. Ensuring that those responsible for the 2,976 lives from 91 countries that lost their lives; that day would not go unpunished. To prove to the rest of the world that we are still the most powerful, feared and respected country on this planet.  But more directly, to demonstrate to the world that we will not be bullied!

 As a 16 year veteran; I have seen more acts of unselfishness and heroism since 9/11 that I can possibly speak to all of them. From the firefighters and emergency response crews of the Nation, to unsuspecting families with no direct ties to ground zero lending financial, emotional and spiritual support to the friends and families directly involved in the attacks. One specific act of heroism that comes to mind is an individual; US Army Ranger, Specialist Pat Tillman. Pat was a hard hitting "Strong Safety" in the National Football League that signed a deal with the Arizona Cardinals football organization in 1998, earning a salary of $512,000 a year. In 1999 the St. Louis Rams offered him a multi-million dollar contract to leave the Cardinals. Number 40; loyal to his team members, turned the offer down in order to stay with his Arizona brothers. In 2000, Tillman finished a fantastic year and was named an “All-Pro” by Sports Illustrated. A few months post 9/11, he was offered a multimillion dollar contract to resign with the Cardinals, which guaranteed him and his family a lavish and comfortable lifestyle. Instead he and his brother Kevin answered a higher calling by enlisting to serve their country.  Within a year of his enlistment he was deployed as member of the 75^th Ranger Regiment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Soon after his return from Iraq, he completed rigorous Army Ranger training requested deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to fight again in 2004. Freedom!

 On 22 April 2004, Specialist Pat Tillman was killed in by cross-fire near Khost Afghanistan, close to the Pakistan border. This was the most dangerous place to be during this timeframe, and exactly where Pat wanted to be. His tour of duty overseas exemplifying everything each American was feeling that day; honor, patriotism, respect and a sense of duty to fulfill for our country. It was people like him that put their own personal needs aside and gave the ultimate sacrifice so that others may continue to flourish and foster in this great nation. Its people like SPC Tillman that allow us to be born again into a mindset that we will not be taken advantage of and we will respond to those that test us. Ensuring freedom rings out of all shores of these United States.

One thing that I ask of each and every person here today is NEVER FORGET the feelings that you experience that day, NEVER FORGET those that have given their lives to provide you these freedoms that some take advantage of each day. NEVER FORGET where this country was just 234 short years ago and where we are today. Heroic acts like the story of Pat Tillman have made this country unique and uncontested to its history and struggle.  From the days we fought for freedom to establish our own self rule, to the United States of America of today. Be proud of your heritage, history and this country. Continue to remember why we have freedom, and remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for you. 

 Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this day of remembrance. It has been an honor to share a short story with you and be a part of Patriot Day.