I, like most other Americans, have ridden an emotional rollercoaster since that day. Shock, fear, grief, and anger have been among the stops. The most pervasive thought I’ve had, however, is that I must do something.

First, I went and gave blood, an act I urge everyone to follow. The blood reserves of our nation were low before this incident; we need blood now more than ever. Then, I called the Red Cross to volunteer. Then, I had only to sit and wait.

My mind continued to race, however. I memorized an oath not so long ago, promising to protect this country “from all enemies foreign and domestic.” This was it. The enemy was upon us, and it’s time to fight.

I thought of the future. We’ll all remember thirty, forty, fifty years down the road exactly where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news that the World Trade Center had been hit by a jet. That thought resounded in my head. What would I tell my children? What did I do when their futures were at stake?

And I resolved what I would do. I will fight—for my country, for my fellow Americans, for our way of life, for my future, for my children and their children. I will defend the nation and the freedom that I love. I will do everything in my power to preserve the security we have always taken for granted. I will fight.

Many others have had these same thoughts, and many will go to war for our great country. For those of you who stay here at home, remember this: the spirit of this country is what drives us to succeed. When we all take part in that spirit and contribute what we can, our nation becomes more and more powerful. When we support each other and those who defend us, we cannot be defeated. When we take a stand, we will not fall.

So put up your flags. Donate your blood. Do whatever you can, for this is not only about us, nor will it end with us. What we fight for today, we preserve for our future generations. Let us be remembered by them as the great nation and amazing people that we are.

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