Quarter of a century has passed since September 11, 2001—a day that fundamentally altered our nation and redefined a generation. Twenty-five years later, we gather not only to remember the tragic loss of nearly 3,000 innocent lives in New York, Arlington, and Shanksville, but to honor the unbroken spirit of service that rose from the ashes.
On that bright Tuesday morning, terror struck at the heart of America. Yet, amidst the unimaginable horror, we witnessed the ultimate acts of bravery. First responders—firefighters, police officers, and paramedics—ran directly toward danger while others fled, exemplifying the highest form of selflessness. Their courageous actions saved thousands and established a legacy of heroism that remains burned into our national consciousness.
In the days, months, and years that followed, another call to duty echoed across the land. Hundreds of thousands of young men and women stepped forward to raise their right hands, volunteering to serve in the Global War on Terrorism. They deployed to rugged mountains, arid deserts, and far-off lands to preserve the freedoms we hold dear. Many returned bearing the visible and invisible wounds of war, having sacrificed their youth, health, and peace of mind for our protection.
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The bond between those who served on 9/11 and the veterans who fought in its wake is seamless. Their shared courage forms the bedrock of our liberty. But memory alone is not enough to honor their sacrifice; memory must be matched by dynamic action.
That is where our mission as Disabled American Veterans (DAV) takes hold. For over a century, DAV has stood as a steadfast advocate, ensuring that those who bore the battle are never forgotten and never left behind. As we mark this 25-year milestone, keeping our promises to America’s veterans is more vital than ever. It means fighting for top-tier healthcare, ensuring seamless access to earned benefits, providing physical support, and walking beside our brothers and sisters through every stage of their recovery.
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As a local community, we carry a sacred trust. We honor the fallen by caring for the living. We uphold the legacy of 9/11 by ensuring every injured, ill, and aging veteran receives the dignity, respect, and support they earned. Let us renew our pledge to stand united, serving those who served us, and fulfilling America's promise to its heroes—today, tomorrow, and always.
/s
Jeffrey Blonder
Thomas Hayes DAV Chapter 37
Reading, MA
About DAV:
DAV is dedicated to ensuring our promise is kept to America’s veterans. DAV does this by helping veterans and their families access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, offering programs and services to empower them, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. A nonprofit organization with nearly 1 million members, DAV was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. Any veteran or Spouse needing assistance can contact the local DAV chapter at 617-967-6892
