Reflections on Patriot Day Published Sept. 10, 2009 By Lt. Col. Joseph Milner 30th Security Forces Squadron commander VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- September 11. The date by itself has taken on a new meaning for our generation of Americans. Much like other significant dates in U.S. history, like the day John F. Kennedy was killed or the attack on Pearl Harbor, we all can remember where we were when we heard of the tragic loss of life at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and the heroic efforts of the passengers of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. At the same time, the September 11 attacks, like Pearl Harbor, awoke our nation in a way not seen since that day back on Dec. 7, 1941. The day brought a sense of supreme loss coupled with fear of further attacks, which quickly became a righteous anger and a swell of American pride not seen in decades. Stores sold out of every American flag in their inventory as people rushed to show their national pride. Flag bumper stickers were made to meet this desire and newspapers even ran color pages with a flag that could be cut out and displayed on a window to meet the need of a nation wanting to show its patriotism and unity. From what was supposed to have been a crippling blow to bring us to our knees arose a single cause that united our nation in an unprecedented manner. What was meant for evil became good as a nation resurrected itself from the ashes of both years of self-doubt and the attacks, with a patriotic zeal that manifested itself in displays of national pride, melting the heart of even the coldest person. So as we remember and reflect on this day, do not do so with just an eye to the past, but remember the gift we have been given to live free as Americans ... be proud! Be proud that no other land on earth has taken the melting pot of people that make up our nation and raised such a great country. Be proud to be an American ... proud to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Be especially proud to be part of the armed forces who defend this nation from any other such attacks. We serve a great nation and have so much to be thankful for today, so be proud of your service and the nation you serve today!