Commander on 9-11: America Will Prevail

 Helping Children Left Behind A Tribute to Fallen Warriors

Cmdr Governor
speaks at Intrepid.
Doug Malin photo

Twelve years after terrorist attacks left the nation "stunned and wounded in a way not known since the shock of Pearl Harbor," America and its military "remain resolute in both purpose and focus to the pledge that our president made at the time -- we will not tire; we will not falter; we will not fail," New York State's American Legion Commander Kenneth Governor said at a 9/11 observance Wednesday aboard the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City.

"On this day, we not only honor the victims who perished" on Sept. 11, 2001, "but we also recognize our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who demonstrate our nation's resolve," with "many giving their own lives in service to our country."

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

An unfortunate consequence of the Sept. 11th attacks and subsequent war on terrorism, he noted, is that "many children of America's active duty military personnel are now members of single-parent families."

That's why "we established The American Legion Legacy Scholarship," the Department of New York commander said. "Previous donations totaled over $3.5 million with about $764,000 in donations added last month at our national convention. Providing for the children that were left behind is our civic duty and helping to provide for their education is a powerful way to show our thanks to their parents who died protecting our country."

The enemies who hatched the Sept. 11th plot and want to spawn more terror "are counting on our complacency," Governor noted. "Convinced we are a nation of selfish materialists, they don't think we have resolve…America's military is tracking down terrorists and securing liberty at home and abroad…They are fulfilling our promise of freedom and you can be certain we will prevail. For people who live in freedom, always prevail over those who live in oppression."

He added: "Nevertheless, we must always expect the unexpected and assume that some unforeseen event requiring a U.S. military response will occur and we must be prepared to field the best-trained, best-equipped and best-led forces in the world. And now as they patrol the Mideast, weathering rocks, bullets and extreme heat, be sure to let our elected officials know that, as Congress addresses the budget to run our country starting October 1st, this is no time to cut support to our armed forces, and that sequestration and its devastating budget cuts is no way to support our troops in the field and their willingness to protect our country."

The 9/11 observance was hosted by The American Legion's 9-11 Memorial Post, which meets aboard the aircraft carrier-turned-museum.