Today, as we mark the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93 and the end of the subsequent war in Afghanistan, I have three things I would like to share with you. First, let us all take a moment out of our day today to remember, reflect and honor those killed in the terrorist attacks that occurred 20 years ago and the families that were forever changed. Let us also remember, reflect and honor them for years to come and pass on this day of remembrance to future generations. In other words, let us never forget.
Second, as the war in Afghanistan comes to a close, marked by the final withdrawal from Hammad Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, earlier this month, I want to thank each and every service member who served overseas and who sacrificed your time, body, and mind in service to our nation. Who knows what we would have experienced in the last 20 years if you hadn’t gone after those who attacked us on September 11, 2001. Without your contributions to the war effort in Afghanistan, we would not have been safe at home for the past 20 years. While some may be questioning why we went in the first place and why we stayed as long as we did, we still can’t go back and reverse our decision, and bring those we lost along the way back either. However, I can definitively say that each and every one of you matter and so did your contributions, which is why we must remember all of the United States military members, veterans, and contractors who fought overseas, never came home or returned home and continue to struggle with the effects of war today. To the families of service members who did not make it back home, we are forever in your debt. And to those who did make it home and the families they returned to, we are here to help if you need us and are struggling with the physical and mental effects of war. As American citizens, we owe the peace and freedom that we have enjoyed for the past 20 years to you all. As we remember, reflect, and honor the United States service members who fought in Afghanistan, it is important that we all check in with one another and help those who may be struggling with the war’s physical and mental effects, especially today. So if you know someone who served, take some extra time out of your day today and see if you can help someone in need.
Third, as time moves on, we all must continue to remember the events of September 11, 2001, and teach future generations about what happened. One organization that plays a crucial role in this mission is the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum, located in downtown Manhattan, is responsible for developing and maintaining the World Trade Center memorial complex and the education of future generations through the museum. And today, I am happy to announce that for the entire month of September, and each year going forward, we will donate 100% of the proceeds generated by our Never Forget 9/11 Memorial Design to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. With your support and our collective contributions, we hope to continue to fund the 9/11 Memorial and Museum as it develops and maintains the World Trade Center memorial complex and educates future generations about the events of September 11, 2001. And if you would rather donate directly to the 9/11 Memorial Museum instead, feel free to do so. We want to keep the memory of all those lost 20 years ago today and over the past 20 years in Afghanistan alive by funding the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and proudly displaying our Never Forget 9/11 Memorial Design.
Thank You,
Erik Brandon
CEO of Fall3nWarrior