Blankenbush: Remembering the heroes of 9/11 and today

To the Editor:

As I write this column, the 10th anniversary of the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2011 is just a few days away.

Though ten years have passed, when I reflect upon that day, the images and emotion are still painfully sharp. In the same way the events of Pearl Harbor were collectively etched on the memory of that generation, the events of 9/11 are seared into ours.

Many of us remember where we were when we heard the news of those horrible events. Many of us recall it was a beautiful day with barely a cloud in the sky. At the moment I watched the second plane fly into the World Trade Center, I knew our country, and our placid sense of freedom, was forever changed.

In the days to come, we learned of the many heroes who selflessly and courageously gave their lives in the Twin Towers and the Pentagon and on a plane over Pennsylvania, in order to save the lives of thousands of others. And in the ten years since 9/11, thousands more heroes have selflessly and courageously given their lives to protect the freedoms of their friends, families and neighbors back home.

Here in the North Country, we are uniquely connected to the war on terror through our ties to Fort Drum. Many of us who live here in Northern New York might even know someone who has fought and died for his or her country, or who is currently serving our country in the Armed Forces.

Therefore, we cannot remember 9/11 without giving thanks to our brave and dedicated military men and women—and their families—who have bravely sacrificed so much to prevent further attacks on our freedom. And the fight is not over. We must continue to support those who give so much to keep us free.

On Sept. 11th, 2001, the terrorists may have destroyed our buildings and killed our innocent people, but they will never vanquish the spirit of our nation. We owe our continued celebration of our independence and diversity to the heroes and victims of 9/11, and the brave military men and women who continue to give their lives for their fellow countrymen.

Just a reminder! My town hall meeting with Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb has been moved to Monday, Oct. 17 from 6:30- 8 pm. The location has also changed to the Lowville Municipal Building, 5535 Bostwick St., Lowville. Seating is limited, so RSVP for this Town Hall today by calling my office at 315-493-3909. Then visit www.reformny.org to join nearly 2,500 New Yorkers who support a “People’s Convention.”

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush

District 122