This cowgirl proudly waves the American Flag at a local rodeo. The rodeo is the ultimate throwback to family values and American patriotism. You can see the pride in her eyes, the sparkle in her smile as she beams with honor that she was asked to wave this flag.

It was September 11, 2021, Patriot Day. The 20th anniversary of what was considered the worst attack on American soil since the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 2,996 American Citizens lost their lives that day. In the 246 years since this country was founded, countless soldiers, police officers, fire fighters and first responders have died trying to defend our freedom. In light of current affairs as well as everything we have gone through as a nation, we celebrate all of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We have gone through hell and back and yet, those stars and stripes remain waving. This really is the greatest country in the world.

I know that the impact that 9/11 had, will never sting as much as it did that day. Sometimes, over time, we tend to forget what happened. Please take time today out of your busy schedule to remember those who lost their lives for us. The worst thing that could happen would be that their lives were taken in vain.

As Benjamin Franklin once noted, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”

God Bless America!