An update from Rep. Ingraham

On December 18, 2001, Public Law 111-13, by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, was enacted. Public Law 111-13 designated September 11th of each year as “Patriot Day.” Congress requests that the observance of September 11th be annually recognized as the “National Day of Service and Remembrance.”

Patriot Day should not be confused with Patriot’s Day, as Patriot’s Day commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775.

“Patriot Day”, the National Day of Service and Remembrance, is a time of reflection and a reminder, lest we forget, the loss of life and damage that was caused from the biggest act of terrorism ever on United States soil. The act commemorates September 11, 2001, the day four planes were hijacked and then deliberately flown into three important buildings, the Pentagon in Washington DC and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York.

On September 11th, America, her people and values were under attack. Lives were lost, buildings destroyed and people found themselves in a state of disbelief, confusion, and at times fearful, because of this unknown enemy which destroyed thousands of innocent lives. This attack had a ripple effect that reached out across the United States, no one was untouched by the tragedy.

But, out of the ashes that 11th day of September, the American Spirit was re-awakened. Ordinary people became heroes, helping others whose needs where greater than their own. Our emergency response people rose to new heights, pushing themselves beyond even their own expectations to save others, even at the cost of their own lives in some cases, because it was about helping those in need and working together to overcome adversity.

While this event changed our nation in many ways, the character of our Nation, our faith in one another and our legacy as a country strengthened by service and selflessness remained the same, becoming stronger as we continue to see neighbors offering a helping hand, a willingness to volunteer and help survivors not only from acts of terrorism but to natural disasters which has also impacted many lives throughout America over these many years since that fateful day on September 11th.

So, as we approach this coming “Patriot Day”, this National Day of Service and Remembrance, on the 12th anniversary of one of our country’s worst tragedies, may you all take a moment to remember and honor not only those who lost their lives that day, but to honor those families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the losses and changes that day brought to their lives.

Now it’s your turn to “Keep in Touch”. I can be reached via e-mail at pathd13@blackfoot.net, or call me at 827-4652 or by mail at P.O. Box 1151, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.