Small Decisions – By Navy Veteran Ryan
September 14, 2026On the 25th Anniversary of September 11
On the 25th Anniversary of September 11
Last week, our nation paused for the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. It is fitting that this milestone anniversary takes place during our country’s celebration of our 250th birthday. We cannot celebrate 250 years of freedom without also remembering that freedom comes at a significant price.
On September 11, 2001, we witnessed tragedy, terror, and fear. But, more importantly, we witnessed courage, bravery, and unity. We watched heroes run up the stairs of the towers; we watched ordinary citizens save lives by crashing their own hijacked plane. We watched office workers help each other down the stairs, comfort each other in their final moments, and we watched strangers give their lives so others could live. On that day, we were all Americans. And we cared for our country and deeply for each other.
Those killed on September 11, 2001, were the first casualties of the Global War on Terror. And, since that day, a generation of veterans served and sacrificed to continue to pay the cost for our freedom.
This season, on Roger That, I’ve been privileged to speak about 9/11 with veterans who were directly impacted by the attacks that September day. Patrick Garvey was in DC and shared in vivid detail the sense of safety that came with F-16s patrolling high overhead. Luke Leising was deployed abroad and learned of the attacks when he was unexpectedly called back to base. Todd Norris was in the Indiana National Guard, and the decisions made because of 9/11 led to multiple combat deployments to the Middle East.
We now call September 11 Patriot Day. According to AI, a Patriot is a person who loves, supports, and defends our country and its interests. Further, a Patriot has a strong feeling of devotion to our country. Patriots actively work to improve our nation and protect our people. And, lastly, a Patriot puts the needs of others ahead of self-interest.
While love of country seems to ebb and flow, the deep desire to improve our nation and protect our people is a story as old as time. I can think of no better way to improve our nation and protect our people, than to ensure that those who serve our country are supported when they return home.
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