Honoring Patriot Day
Posted: September 10, 2024
The tragedy of September 11, 2001, is forever etched in the collective memory of our nation. It was a day of profound loss that no American will ever forget.
The Nation suffered almost three thousand deaths on that day with many thousands injured. This horrific attack committed by Al Qaeda destroyed the World Trade Towers using two hijacked airliners, another hijacked aircraft damaged the Pentagon, and last hijacked aircraft enroute to the U.S. Congress crashed in rural Pennsylvania after the brave revolt of its passengers.
When America is attacked, we quickly come together and retaliate. Al Qaeda’s decimation began within a month after the attack – its leader, Osama bin Laden, was dead within a decade. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. Service Men and Women deployed and fought with honor in Afghanistan, and in many other terrorist havens around the world. Some gave all – there were 2,459 U.S. military deaths in the War in Afghanistan, with more than 20,000 wounded. We must also remember that many Allies fought with us in Afghanistan, incurring over 1,000 fatalities.
Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs) remain a threat – and this menace will persist for the foreseeable future.
But the challenges of the 21st Century do not stand still while we fight VEOs. The world is in perhaps the most precarious situation it has seen since shortly before World War II. We face not just one peer adversary like we had during the decades-long Cold War, but now two – Russia and China. The threats aggregate with a dangerous North Korea and with the largest exporter of terror, Iran. There are two raging strategic conflicts, with over 1,000 casualties a day in the Ukraine-Russia War, along with the continuing Israel-Hamas War.
Rest assured that the U.S. military will always do its duty to protect our homeland, deter strategic attack against the U.S., and its Allies and Partners, and to decisively respond to any situation when ordered. At home, our brave first responders diligently preserve life and alleviate suffering.
Please join Bancroft Capital’s Team in remembrance of those that served our Nation throughout history, especially those that gave all and did not return to their loved ones – this includes our amazing First Responders. They will never be forgotten!
– Major General Fred B. Stoss III, US Air Force, Retired