nmah4472.xml

nmah4472.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2002-09-12

I was stationed in Korea. For me, the events of September 11th unfolded as I watched the news late into the night. I remember feeling angry, helpless and dreadfully anxious. Anxious for it to end, and about how many tragedies would occur before it did. The next day was busy. Busy as the US military around the world heightened its readiness, secured its bases and prepared for whatever would come next.
The most poignant memory of that day, while I was still trying to make sense of what happened and what might still happen, was when my friend - a Republic of Korea Lieutenant Colonel on the combined staff - asked me, "What can Korea do to help?"

I'm still angry. I'm angry with the militant Imams that still preach hatred and anti-Americanism. I'm angry with anyone that says that America incited the events of September 11th or in some way deserved it. If you disagree with our choice of allies, or our foreign policy - fine, criticize us and vote against us in the UN. But do not incite murderers (not martyrs) to kill our innocent civilians overseas or within our borders. And if you do, do not complain when we respond within your borders. I'm angry that we did not respond sooner and more forcefully - after the bombings in Saudi Arabia, after the bombings in Africa or after the bombing of the USS Cole. I have stronger ties with my family now, and with my friends.

Attacks on Americans overseas herald attacks on Americans within our borders. Remember who are friends are, those that stood with us personally and internationally, not just on September 11th, but through the year and today. Remember those who suffered in the World Trade Center buildings and the Pentagon as they suffocated, burned and fell. Remember the brave men and women who ran into harm's way to help others in those buildings and the heroes on Flight 93 that fought back. Remember that September 11th marked the beginning of America's war on terrorism, and why.

I have always flown the American flag and served under it. I always will. Now not just the blood of America's military stain those red strips, but thousands of innocent civilians have died for no more reason than they worked, lived and loved in a country that others have pointed to as being the source of all the evils in the world. I reject that, the world would be much worse without America's leadership, contribution and charity. Many of the people pointing fingers at America are the ones inflicting pain and suffering on their people. I'm no longer as tolerant of this hypocrisy.