Hi JOHN –

Today is a day of somber remembrance. Like many Americans, I remember exactly where I was 21 years ago on this day.

I was working in the U.S. Capitol as a legislative staffer, where we all evacuated as it was the target of the 4th plane. I owe my life and a debt of gratitude to those brave men and women who put the plane down in Pennsylvania. I visited the Pentagon crash site with a Congressional delegation the day after the attacks. I will never forget the destruction, loss of life, and that smell.

Like many Americans, the attacks of 9/11 were a call to action and public service for me. I redoubled my commitment to serve our nation’s National Security and later served the Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon, alongside many of the service men and women who protected our country during one of the darkest days in our history.

I dedicated my life to serving our country and protecting our national security – as a senior advisor on President Obama's campaign and as a senior advisor to three Secretaries of Defense.

I was immensely honored then, as I still am today, to contribute to making our country and our world a safer, more peaceful place.

During the attacks of 9/11, we saw leaders in every community – in the volunteers who stepped up to help their neighbors, in the young men and women who committed their lives to service, and in the unwavering support that we felt from the American people toward protecting this country.

As we remember the lives we lost 21 years ago, we are also reminded of the resilience and perseverance that can be found when we come together to support one another.

In remembrance,

Eric Lynn