This week, on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, I shared a documentary I participated in a few years back in which I interviewed a New York City firefighter who responded to the terrorist attacks that horrible day. It is worth the watch this weekend if you have time.
I was in high school in Bogota, Colombia when I heard the news that America was under attack 23 years ago.
I had already committed to becoming a Navy SEAL when I was younger, but what I saw on the morning of September 11, 2001 changed the course of my life, my worldview, and the lives of many others.
I joined the Navy, went to BUD/S, put on my Trident, and went to work taking the fight to America’s enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan to bring justice for the victims in New York, the Pentagon, and Shanksville.
But also so they could never bring the fight home to us again—that’s what was at stake.
I served with many men and women. All were committed to our country and willing to lay down their lives for the American people. I am grateful for their service and sacrifice, especially those who never made it home.
We must make an effort to remember the victims from that morning and the wars that followed, but most importantly, remember the feeling of unity we felt as we came together as a many for our one country. We need that now, and every day.
Never Forget.