Remembering 9/11 - Let Freedom Ring

Freedom guarantees that we all have a HEA. 

September 11, 1297 – Battle of Stirling Bridge

William Wallace led Scottish patriots to defeat the English Calvary during the War of Scottish Independence.

"We come here … to set our country free."

700 years later, on September 11, 1997, Scottish voters overwhelming approved a referendum to create an independent Scottish Parliament, the first step to fulfilling William Wallace's dream of a free Scotland. 

Sterling Bridge
Image by David Meisner
Released to Public Domain

September 11, 1709 – Battle of Malplaquet

John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, led the Allied Forces to defeat the French Army during the War of Spanish Succession. Six generations later, Marlborough’s nephew would rally the English people in their darkest hour - the Battle of Britain.

"We shall never surrender."

Aircraft spotter in London
National Archives and Records Administration
Released to Public Domain

September 11, 1814 – Bombardment of Baltimore 

After burning Washington DC, the British fleet sailed into the Baltimore Harbor. Two days later, the British bombarded the city, inspiring Frances Scott Key to write a poem about Old Glory flying over Fort McHenry:

“Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Flag flown over Fort McHenry
Public Domain

September 11, 1814 – Battle of Plattsburg

Navy Commander Thomas MacDonough repelled the British forces from Lake Champlain, securing the US’s northern border during the War of 1812.

"Impressed seamen call on every man to do his duty."

Naval battle on Lake Champlain.
Engraving in 1816 by B. Tanner
Public Domain

September 11, 1941 – The Army breaks ground to build the Pentagon.

September 11, 2001 – Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.

September 11, 2008 – President Bush unveiled the Pentagon Memorial.

"America will never run … and we will always be grateful that liberty has found such brave defenders."

In memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and during the global war on terror.

In appreciation of the Americans and our allies, military and civilians, who tireless work to defend our democracy.

We are indebted to you for the freedom you give us.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

(edited from my original post on September 11, 2010)

Remembering September 11 and Honoring Our Heroes

Firefighters raise an American flag at the World Trade Center. 

Photograph by Thomas E. Franklin

I received this letter in the mail ....

Our unit here in Afghanistan recently received an envelope full of heart warming cards and letters from some wonderful children and young adults.  The messages of thanks and encouragement to all of us soldiers was the highlight of our day.  Often times over here it is easy to forget why we are here and what we are protecting and defending.  The messages from the cards was a welcome reminder.  

We are blessed to live in the USA and it our hope that the people of Afghanistan can someday have the same liberties and freedoms that we enjoy.

Likewise, it is great to know that we are remembered.  Their lives are very busy and fro them to take the time to write us letters makes us all feel very good.

Please convey our gratitude to all of the children.  

Major JH

Kandahar, Afghanistan

Today we remember the murder of innocent people aboard four flights, inside the World Trade Center, and inside the Pentagon; the sacrifice of first responders in New York; the sacrifice of military and civilian personnel who fight terrorism; and the families who lost loved ones in the past 11 years.   My thoughts and prayers are with you everyday.

Ahuwale ka po’okela I kāu hana iā ha’i.

It is through the way you serve others 

that your greatness will be felt.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

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