9.11.01 – Never Forget

Eight years ago on this day, our country and sense of reality changed forever. Our fellow citizens, our way of life, and freedom itself came under attack. We lost nearly 3,000 of our fellow countrymen in a violent attack of foreign terrorism. While our current political climate has left us what appears to be little common ground, today should stand separate and apart. Today let us all as Americans, rise up and stand above the fray of the political climate and recall, reflect, and remember. Let us remember how a crisp, clear day was turned from its splendor into a day of carnage, grief, and fear. Let us remember a day where we all came together to cry, to pray, and to comfort our neighbors. Let us remember a day where our political leaders stood together on the steps of the Capitol to help reassure a shaken nation. Let us remember a day where our political differences meant less to us than our nation and our fellow Americans. Let us remember a time when our fear and quiet unyielding anger turned into resolve, a renewed love of country, and dedication to others. Time is known to gray our memory as it passes. We should take the opportunity today to remember the unfurling of flags and the lighting of candles rather than current political discontent and hyperpolitical reactions to nearly anything and everything. We stood together, sang patriotic songs together, and become resolved to do more for our country. September 11, 2001 is a date that will forever be etched into American history, and our collective memory. It was a day which changed the world forever, and brought us all closer together. On this day, let us set aside our differences, our disagreements, and our discord and unite once again to remember those we lost and to honor those who have fought, continue to fight, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation and of freedom itself. America was attacked on that day because it stood as a beacon for freedom and opportunity in this world. Our President said, “no one will keep that light from shining.” As we reflect today, those words still ring true, our country will long be the hope of the world. On that day we saw the worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America. Today we reflect on a dark day in our nation’s history. Yet out of those ashes, a great people were moved to defend a great nation. Let us continue to offer our prayers to all those who continue to grieve the loss of a loved one, to children whose worlds were shattered. Let us pray the families continue to find the comfort and condolence of a higher power to continue to cope with their loss. May God Bless those we lost, those who defend our nation, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.

Always Remember, Never Forget

September 11, 2001

Fmr. CRNC Co-Chair Nick Miccarelli Heading Back to Iraq

Current Pennsylvania State Representative and former College Republican National Committee Co-Chairman Nick Miccarelli is heading back to Iraq for another tour of duty with the Pennsylvania National Guard. 

This from the Deleware Co. Daily Times (www.delcotimes.com):

MEDIA — State Rep. Nick Miccarelli, R-162, of Ridley Township, was given a royal sendoff Friday night at the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum as he prepares to leave for his second tour of duty in Iraq as a member of the National Guard.

ov. Ed Rendell called Miccarelli at the museum to wish him well. The governor spoke to the guests by speakerphone.

“I want to take a minute to thank Nick for his service,” Rendell said. “He was a student of mine. I taught a course in political science (at University of Pennsylvania).”

Rendell called Miccarelli one of the “young turks” who will change things in Harrisburg. He said the Ridley Park resident is “extraordinary, intelligent and will be a great legislator.”

“But before that, he will be a great American,” Rendell said, referring to Miccarelli’s upcoming deployment.

Miccarelli laughingly recalled how Rendell had seen him dressed as a hot dog and cheering at Penn’s basketball games.

“The governor came up to me and said, ‘what’s your major?’ I told him political science, and he said if I took his class and showed up in class wearing the hot dog costume, he would give me an A,” Miccarelli said. “I did, and I got an A.”

“I have a lot of respect for him,” Sestak said. “Here he is going to Iraq for a second time. He is serving his country twice, in government and in the Army.”

The 26-year-old Miccarelli, a member of the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade of the Pennsylvania National Guard, is also a member of Ridley Park Borough Council. He plans to continue serving on council while in Iraq via webcam or teleconferencing during council meetings. His seat in the state Legislature will be waiting for him when he returns from active duty next year.

Miccarelli was deployed to Kosovo in 2002-03 as part of a United Nations peace-keeping mission. While in Iraq, he will serve as a Chinook helicopter machine gunner. During the reception, Miccarelli cut a large cake with the word “duck” in yellow icing across the top.

I want to extend well wishes and good luck to Nick (or Rep. Miccarelli) on his upcoming deployment. Thanks to him for serving our country and putting himself in harms way for the good of others.