20 years after 9/11
8/18/2021 3:00:00 PM
We probably all remember where we were when we heard about it. Like earlier generations remember where they were when learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy or the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion.
On September 11, 2001, most of us can recall where we were, who we were with, and what we were doing when the unbelievable happened. Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four airplanes; two attacked and destroyed the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City, a third plane was flown into the Pentagon causing a partial collapse of the building, and a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania before it could reach its target of Washington D.C.
The world has not been the same since that fateful day. For more than 40,000 Minnesotan Veterans, their peacetime military service was suddenly thrust into the Global War on Terrorism that continues to this day.
Like many who were serving at that time, I realized that my military career would now include defending my country against an enemy described by then President George W. Bush as “a radical network of terrorists and every government that supports them.” In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I was deployed to Iraq for 15 months during the period of 2006-2007.
I will never forget the smells of the desert, the extreme heat and the fine sand that made it into all equipment, vehicles, and housing. It was great to serve with some of American’s most dedicated Soldiers who were focused the 1/34 Brigade Combat Team’s mission to provide logistic support for the theater’s forces while improving the living conditions for the Iraqi people.
In 2016, I retired from the Army National Guard, and I eventually transitioned into my current role as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, giving me the opportunity to serve our state’s more than 312,000 Veterans. Not all of my fellow Minnesotans were as fortunate. Minnesotans were among those who lost their lives on 9/11/01. Since then, another 97 Minnesota servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice and have died fighting the Global War on Terrorism.
On Saturday, September 11, 2021, we will honor those lost and remember the sacrifices of the thousands of military members who have served during the last 20 years. The 9/11 and Global War on Terrorism Remembrance Task Force was formed to honor and remember Minnesotans, Minnesota Veterans and their families whose lives who were forever changed by the events of 9/11/2001 and the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The task force strives to educate current and future generations of Minnesotans about the sacrifice and high cost of maintaining freedom.
I invite you to join thousands of your neighbors in a tribute to those lost and those who have served in the GWOT era. The Minnesota State Capitol grounds will host a day-long event that will include:
Speakers will include Gov. Tim Walz, retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke, Gold Star Mother Jill Stephenson, and Mariah Jacobson, daughter of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett.
Other elements of the day will include a documentary screening of Resolute: MN Stories of 9/11 & the War and Military and Veteran museum 911/GWOT traveling display, Veteran resources and discussions groups, live music, food vendors, connection opportunities, children’s activities and more.
More details on this special event are available on the MDVA website. I hope you are able to participate, either in person or via livestream.
And as always, if you need information or support on any Veteran issue, please visit our website, contact your County Veterans Service Officer, or contact LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.
Thank YOU for your service!
