Twenty-five years ago today…September 11, 2001, a day indelibly etched on the fabric of America. The truth is that I don’t just think about 9/11 on its anniversary; I think about 9/11 every day. That attack, and the years that followed, forged me into the leader, the tactician, the husband, the father, and the writer I am today. I continue to study the events that led up to that Tuesday morning, and the actions we took in its wake - the mistakes we made, along with the successes. I think of all those who stepped up in the aftermath of the attacks, running to Ground Zero to assist in rescue and recovery operations, and I think of those who flooded military recruiting offices to answer their generation’s call. I think of those who gave their last full measure on the battlefield, those I knew and those I did not. The 25th anniversary of the attack is a natural time to reflect, not just on the horror and heroism of the day, but on what we have learned since. I find myself drawn to this barn with the American Flag in a small valley against the mountains in the days around the anniversary of September 11th. I think it is because, on this day, I choose to reflect on the flags raised from the ashes of 9/11. That flag reminds me that at this very moment, there are troops and intelligence officers deployed abroad, tasked with keeping America safe, dedicated to preventing another 9/11. And there are firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and police officers responding to calls right now, protecting and serving their fellow citizens, ready to run into collapsing buildings as others run out. Today, more than any other for the generation that lived it, is a day to remember why we fought, what we stand for, and how, no matter what, as Americans, we always get back up and keep moving forward. Strength and Honor 🇺🇸