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John, I was in my 8th grade reading class when terrorists hijacked planes and killed nearly 3,000 Americans. I was only 13 at the time – I didn't know what terrorism was or why people had done this to our country. Even the adults around me couldn't seem to fully grasp what had happened. But I’ll never forget the countless heroes who stepped up to help others in need — firefighters, paramedics, doctors, law enforcement, and volunteers. People who flew to New York and DC, spending days on top of the rubble trying to find survivors. Folks held blood drives and fundraisers across the country to send aid. Those acts of service and patriotism are a big part of why I enlisted in the Army just a few years later. And it’s why I’m running for office now. We need leaders like those brave heroes — who love this country and its people more than themselves. Who would risk their own lives to find their fellow Americans under the rubble. Yet right now, we have elected leaders who won’t risk losing some campaign cash in order to stand up against far-right extremists who wish to tear down our democracy. We have leaders who fear Donald Trump more than they love our country. As you reflect on the tragic events of 22 years ago and what followed, I hope you’ll remember the courage so many people showed that day. And I hope you will wonder where we, as a country, will find that courage again. Respectfully, Ashley 🚁
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