As we recognize and honor the loss of American lives on September 11, 2001 and in 2012, let us also recognize that our enemies, especially domestic, will continue to plan future attacks against us. We must remain vigilant and prepared, and on the offensive.
It is often said that time heals all wounds. With the passage of years the senses sometimes are deadened, and what was once vivid in your mind becomes lost in a fog.
For me, what happened to our country on September 11, 2001 is as vivid in my mind today as it was on that day twenty-five years ago. I can't think of a day having gone by over the last quarter of a century when I haven't been reminded of the day America came under attack in our homeland by radical Islamic fanatics.
September 11 and Benghazi: Radical Islam’s War on American Soil
While the attacks that happened in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and Shanksville in Pennsylvania certainly have been the focus of most Americans’ attention on September 11th each year, I am also reminded of the attacks against our Diplomatic Outpost and CIA Annex in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012. Obviously, the loss of life in Benghazi was far less than that experienced in 2001, but it was no less symbolic. Radical Islamic terrorists yet again felt emboldened to attack our country.
Government Failure Made Both Attacks Possible
In the 2001 attacks it was inattention, the lack of cooperation between government agencies, and an unpreparedness that contributed to the success of the attacks. But in 2012's, in Benghazi, it was weakness and the duplicity of the Obama Administration that led to the loss of four American’s lives, including our Ambassador to that North African nation. It was only the courage exhibited by a handful of CIA contractors and others who prevented a more massive loss of life.
From Pearl Harbor to 9/11: When America Is Attacked, Americans Answer the Call
Over our nation’s history, it has been average Americans who have stepped up to defend our freedoms and respond to attacks against our nation. After the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Americans lined up at military recruitment offices across the country to fight back against Nazi Germany, fascist Italy, and the Empire of Japan. After September 11, 2001, many Americans answered the call once again, joining the military to fight against radical Islam, which took them to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other foreign lands.
While oftentimes throughout our nation’s history our government has let us down, deceived us, and failed to live up to the ideals we as a nation were founded upon, it has been Americans who have stepped up over and over to defend our country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Never Forget: The Threats to American Freedom Remain
As we recognize and honor the loss of American lives on September 11, 2001, and in 2012, let us also recognize that our enemies, especially domestic, will continue to plan future attacks against us. We must remain vigilant and prepared, and on the offensive. Let us never forget what has happened before, and keep it vivid in our memories, so that we can continue to protect the freedoms so many have fought and died for, for just over 250 years.
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