(Digital Editor's Note: This article was published first in the September 2023 print edition of The Stand).
September 11, 2001. People gathered in workplaces, parents tended children, students went to school, retirees lingered over coffee.
At 8:46 a.m. EST that day, American Airlines Flight 11, hijacked by Islamic terrorists, crashed into New York City’s World Trade Center North Tower, and a blazing inferno of chaos and death erupted.
As news coverage began, at American Family Association, co-workers clustered around a television set, stunned and praying it was simply a horrific accident. But 17 minutes later, at 9:03, United Airlines Flight 175 hammered the South Tower, igniting another explosion of death. Then at 9:37, American Flight 77 nosedived into the Pentagon in D.C.
There was no accident. The nation was under assault.
Rise of the patriots
As havoc reigned, first responders from all avenues of public service were joined by countless citizen volunteers in an immediate life-risking endeavor to save the lives of men and women they didn’t even know – a picture of the American spirit that historically has made her people think and act as one.
Reflecting on Patriot Day, The Stand asked co-worker Geoff Wagner to define the word patriot. Wagner’s military service spans 32 years, including military police, infantry soldier, and more, ending as a chaplain’s assistant with the National Guard in four states.
“‘Pro Deo et Patria’ or ‘For God and Country,’ was the chaplains’ motto,” Wagner said. “Work for my God, in service to my country at the same time, to do His will and obey the laws of the land.” Considering 9/11, Wagner allows his concept of patriotism to broaden and include the heroes of that day – patriots every one!
Memorial to the patriots
Located at the World Trade Center site today is the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. With its stunning displays, the museum reminds the nation never to forget the tragedy, the loss of some 3,000 lives, their families, and the trauma still suffered by survivors.
In addition, museum personnel engage actively with rescue and recovery workers who were among the patriots who survived. For the general public, the moving displays and spaces are a sobering site for visitors to discern deeper understanding of the 9/11 legacy.
Yet another target the museum aims to reach is education, for which it offers resources and programs for students and teachers.
While Wagner believes patriotism was increasing in the U.S., he now has grave concerns. “Wokeism in our military has had a detrimental effect on the overall esprit de corps,” he said.
However, if the 9/11 Memorial & Museum can find a way to reach across America, it has potential to revive her sagging patriotism.
