Coast Guard Recruit Company Victor 183 - 9/11 speech

Seaman Recruit Rebecca Rich, Victor 183, reads a speech on behalf of her shipmates during a 9/11 ceremony at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, Sept. 11, 2010.

September 11^th 2001. We can all remember where we were that day. Whether we were at home, at school, or at work. This country stopped. Horrified and grieving as we struggled to comprehend the tragic images pouring into our televisions. We watched as the brave souls redirected one of the four hijacked aircrafts. They knew that if they did not act fast then many of their fellow Americans would be in danger. How could we ever forget the phrase “lets roll”. We watched as brave men and women gave their lives standing fast to their duties amidst chaos. We watched civilians and firemen, police and military personnel as they acted with courage and such fortitude. Before September 11^th we were just a huge melting pot with many different beliefs and backgrounds, but after 9/11 we were changed. All of a sudden our differences no longer existed. We became “one”. We watched as Americans everywhere raised their flags. From the ashes of ground zero to every doorstep in America, we stood together beneath our colors, with our heads held high and as proud as we ever were. This morning we stand before you, as one battalion beneath the same flag, proudly training to fulfill our duties as America’s rising Guardians. We stand before you to say we have not forgotten those who perished on September 11th and the families who endured so much pain. We train so we may honor and live up to the legacy of those who gave their lives. We train so that Americans can trust that we are Semper Paratus, Always Ready. In our hearts we know this generation like the ones before, will continue to stand up to defend and serve this nation we so dearly love.