Today is a solemn anniversary of a nation changed. Just as we have done for the past twenty years, we pause to honor the victims who were taken from us as radical terrorists targeted our nation because of the shining example of freedom and liberty it is. It was one of the most tragic days of our history. Though years continue to pass, the pain, sadness, and utter disbelief still cut through the memories of all those who remember like it was yesterday. I know it does for me.

I think of the Americans who went to sleep two decades ago, not knowing what the next day would bring. I think of the people going into work who would never return home. I think of the phone calls of passengers in hijacked planes trying to say goodbye – and the heroes on Flight 93 who stopped terrorists from reaching their intended target – sacrificing their lives to save others. I think of the bravery of the first responders who rushed towards the destruction in N.Y., Arlington, and Shanksville. I think of the many people who searched through the rubble. I think of the families forever changed – who face missed birthdays and empty chairs at the dinner table, dial numbers that will never be picked up, and think of the memories that will never be made. And, I also think of the courageous young men and women who took this moment and decided to serve their country in uniform to fight and defend America from evil and ensure another event like this never touches our homeland.

Congressman Womack stands with BHS Junior ROTC members after participating in a flag raising ceremony to pay tribute to all those lost on 9/11  

Though we hurt, the unyielding spirit of our country showed that freedom is always stronger. We keep their stories alive. It is their memories, and the heroic actions of everyday people, that served as a light during the darkness we were surrounded with. It was that valor, resilience, and resolve that moved us forward.
 
In the days following, we saw our country come together, united against all that was brought before us. We stood together as one. It’s a sentiment that we need to remember. It’s one we must live by and pass on to the next generation.

Congressman Womack talking to Junior ROTC members about the 9/11 ceremony and leadership 

I was privileged to join Bentonville High School this week to raise the Freedom Flag. The Freedom Flag tells the story of 9/11 through symbols that include two broad, red stripes to represent the Twin Towers, five white bars to denote the Pentagon, three white stripes to honor first responders, a red stripe for all those on UA Flight 93, a blue background representing all Americans united for freedom, and more.

I stood and watched as the school's developing Junior ROTC program raised the flag. It is not only important for paying tribute, but also for the fact that our younger high school students are recognizing the significance of this tragic event. No student currently in high school was alive during 9/11. They don’t have memories of that day, and it is up to all of us to teach them and pass along the stories of those taken from us.

The Freedom Flag flies in Arkansas to honor 9/11 victims 

The loss we relive is a reminder of everything we must never forget to protect. And with the recent loss of 13 service members, we understand that freedom is never free. I encourage every person to take some time this weekend to reflect on these moments, think of the families whose grief is still raw, and think through how they can serve. I hope we also all reflect on the resiliency of the American people and recommit to the promises we made as a country – we will never forget, and we will always work together as a nation to emerge stronger.

On this solemn anniversary, we hold our fallen and their families in our hearts and remember the unyielding resolve that carried us forward. United, we will always stand stronger. God bless America.