Protecting our homeland and freedoms

Patriotism is defined as the feeling of strong love, devotion, respect, and support for one's country. Oklahomans embody the very essence of what it means to be a patriot from the flags being flown throughout communities to the Pledge of Allegiance proudly recited each morning in our schools and the National Anthem played at our sporting events with hats removed and hands over hearts. Our patriotism is also obvious to the world through our strong military heritage with our five installations, along with our army and air national guard. Oklahoma has one of the highest numbers of active and retired military personnel in the nation. These brave men and women are the epitome of patriotism—putting their lives on the line to protect and uphold freedom around the globe and here on the home front.

On Monday, our nation recognized Patriot Day on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, the deadliest attack on American soil in history. Nearly 3,000 people, including seven Oklahomans, were killed that horrific day. Among those who perished were more than 400 police officers and firefighters at Ground Zero, who selflessly rushed to the aid of their fellow Americans without fear or thought for their own safety and well-being.

The world stopped that day. The stock markets closed, the airlines were grounded, government offices and many businesses shut down as everyone tried to comprehend what had happened to the world’s greatest power. Simply put, we were sucker punched by al-Qaeda, a militant Islamic organization. Our allies mourned with us and joined us in vowing to bring the terrorists to justice. The world’s support was no more evident than by the French newspaper Le Monde’s famous headline, “We are all Americans now.” When those 19 terrorists attacked our homeland, they attacked the free world. This is why it’s imperative we learn and know our history. To paraphrase the famous philosopher George Santayana, “those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” We let down our guard and an evil group took advantage.

President Bush declared 9/11 as Patriot Day as a reminder of how we all felt that day and in the months after.  It’s important that the spirit of patriotism we saw after 9/11 continues to live on in our great nation. We must have a strong military and a people who stand behind our soldiers and our government. The world is watching, and we must stop the divisiveness that has torn the fabric of our nation in recent years and stand united against those enemies who seek to harm our democracy and people. We have found ourselves in troubling times with countries, like Russia and Communist China, continually disregarding the spirit of international law and seemingly taunting our military forces.

As we remember 9/11, may we never forget that freedom is not free but exists because patriots are willing to stand up and fight to protect their homeland and freedoms. Throughout our country’s 247-year history, countless American soldiers have laid their lives down in the name of freedom. May we never forget or forsake their sacrifice or the precious lives lost 22 years ago. God bless our nation and may freedom forever ring.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving our district and the State of Oklahoma in the Senate. If I can be of any assistance, you can reach me at (405) 521-5563 or Chris.Kidd@oksenate.gov.