My husband, Jason, and I were still in high school on September 11, 2001. The attacks—and what they meant for our country—became a major catalyst in his decision to serve. Years later, I would marry him and begin a military journey of my own.
But when I think about September 11, I don't only remember the tragedy. I remember what happened to us as Americans afterward.
There are two memories from my childhood that have always shaped the way I think about patriotism.
The first is my first-grade teacher playing Proud to Be an American every morning after the Pledge of Allegiance.
The second is September 12, 2001.
You couldn't find an American flag to buy.
They were hanging from homes, businesses and cars. People went out and bought every flag they could find because, in a moment when our country had been attacked, Americans wanted the world—and each other—to know that we stood together.
I remember that feeling of unity.
And I wish it didn't take our hardest moments to remind us how fortunate we are to be Americans.
That belief has followed me throughout my life as a military spouse and eventually into building R. Riveter.
R. Riveter began because military spouses wanted an opportunity to contribute, too. We were enormously proud of our husbands' service, but we also believed there were ways we could use our own talents, determination and work to serve the country and community we loved. That belief became part of the foundation of R. Riveter and our mission to create meaningful opportunities for military spouses.
Twenty-five years later, September 11 remains deeply personal to so many members of our military community. For an entire generation of service members and their families, that day influenced the decisions, deployments, sacrifices and lives that followed.
Today, we remember those we lost.
We honor those who answered the call.
And we remember what it felt like when a country of millions stood together as one American family.
We shouldn't have to wait for hardship to be proud to be Americans.
Never forget.