NFRW Capital Connection: Remembering 9/11

Memories of September 11 Remain Strong

NFRW President Eileen Sobjack catches son Casey, who joined the Army following the 9/11 attacks, between bootcamp and training as a helicopter mechanic before deploying to Iraq Do you know where you were on September 11, 2001?   I think most of us do recall exactly where we were and what we had planned that day.   Our family was awakened by my son, who rose early to get ready for work and heard the news that the first tower of the World Trade Center in New York was hit by a plane.   We watched in horror as the second tower was hit, then the Pentagon, and lastly Flight 93 -- which was targeted for the White House or the Capitol. The passengers on this flight were alerted to the attacks and made a heroic attempt to take control of the aircraft, forcing the hijackers to crash the plane in a field near Shanksville, PA.   Upon learning that these were terrorist attacks, Americans rallied and united. In the days ahead, we learned that many heroes gave their lives to save others, not only first responders but also regular Americans.   Recruiting offices were inundated with young men and women who wanted to join the military to serve their country. My son was one of them. He took a detour from his plans to become a private helicopter pilot and joined the Army as a Chinook helicopter mechanic. In 2003, he was deployed to Iraq for over a year.   Security at airports drastically changed as extensive security measures were put into place that still exist today.   Less than two weeks later, the Republican Women gathered in San Antonio for our national convention. It was one of the most patriotic events I have ever attended.   As we prepare to mark the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, let us honor the memory of those who perished and pray for those left behind. Let us also reflect on the heroism we saw that day and in the days following, and strengthen our commitment to our nation and to each other. This renewed sense of patriotism and unity will give us purpose and cause us to embrace what is truly important.

NFRW President Marian Miller pens a message of encouragement to President George W. Bush during the NFRW 31st Biennial Convention in San Antonio, Texas, less than two weeks after 9/11. More than 1,500 Republican women filled three banners with hundreds of messages of support during the three-day event.