11 Things We Must Always Remember About 9/11

 

It's sad but true: As the years go by, September 11 recedes from memory. 

People who were alive on 9/11/01 are slowly passing away. And those born years from now will have to rely on the stories and recollections of others or whatever winds up in the history books.

Given that secondary recollections are not always reliable and considering that history books have been sanitized by political correctness, we all need to begin to embrace a core set of 9/11 truths now -- things that we need to remember and pass on to future generations.

With that in mind, here (in no particular order) are 11 things we need to remember about September 11:

1) September 11 is better termed an atrocity than a tragedy. When you hear people refer to the events of that day as "tragic," correct them. Tell them what happened was a planned. pre-meditated attack -- atrocious, unconscionable and unforgivable.

2) The attack of September 11 was an affront to all human sensibility. The attack was an act of pure evil. And yes -- there is evil in the world.

3) Those who attacked our nation on September 11 want to annihilate all of us and destroy our very way of life. They are still active and their goals have not changed.


4) Those who attacked America were and are cowards. They hide from others; they operate in darkness or under disguise; they run and they plan their dastardly acts in secret.

5) The victims of September 11 are not martyrs. Rather, they are heroes. They were innocent people living everyday lives and pursuing everyday dreams. To the extent they were able to, they struggled to survive and reached out to help others.

6) The heroic first responders who rushed in to help on that day and beyond exemplify the pinnacle of bravery, honor and self sacrifice. They are patriots.

7) In the words of President Bush: "Whether we bring our enemies to justice or justice to our enemies, justice will be done." This must remain our goal and our mission from September 11, onward.

8) September 11 constituted the worst attack ever ever perpetrated on American soil by a foreign enemy. It was unprecedented.

9) The loss, the anguish, the horror of September 11 lives on among the survivors and among the families and friends of the victims. The suffering has not ended. Lives were forever changed that day.

10) Spirituality was, is and will always be a part of our response as Americans to that infamous day. Your steadfast commitment to honor the solemn memory of September 11, to seek justice and to comfort those who still suffer must be accompanied by prayer and reflection. Remember. Reaffirm. Resolve.


11) And here's one more thing: Those who cower in the face of our enemies (or the enemies of our allies) and those who retreat and seem all too willing to make a deal with the world's thugs, murderers, terrorists and sponsors of terror -- they are dishonoring the memory of all those who perished on September 11.


Never forget it!

2001 - 2026: How The Dems Went Off The Rails!

Look at the numbers of Republicans and Democrats who are extremely or very proud to be American:

2001: 🟥GOP: 90% 🟦DEM: 85% 2026: 🟥GOP: 92% (+2) 🟦DEM: 36% (-49) The Democrat change in pride for being an American in just 25 years is very revealing -- and it MUST be taken very seriously. What Dems seem to be saying is "if we don't get our way politically, then don't count on us to be patriotic Americans. Think about how twisted this is. Democrats are unable to, or refuse to, separate being an American and having pride in that from rigid, partisan political beliefs. Their so Intractable that, to them, politics and power are all there is, to the exclusion of everything else.

Note also that, over a 25 year period Republicans' pride in country remained very high regardless of what political party may have been in power. Republicans are sophisticated, objective and smart enough to make an important distinction. It goes like this: my country right or wrong, but my country!

We Could Use This Cherished Sentiment Right Now!

President Trump On The Legacy Of Lindsey Graham

President Donald J. Trump reflected on the life and legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham following his sudden passing this weekend. Speaking in several interviews, President Trump spoke of his close friendship with the longtime South Carolina senator and heralded Senator Graham’s sharp political instincts, his courage in important moments, and his deep commitment to the country.

• President Trump described the loss as deeply personal: “He’s a tough one to lose. He was great — he was unique in every way... I just can’t believe it. He was like a member of the family to me. It’s very tough, actually. He was such an advocate.”
   
• President Trump reflected on his final conversation with Senator Graham: “It’s devastating. I thought he was fine. He called me last night… What a terrible loss it is. He was a great politician. He was a natural. There are very few of them. He was a natural politician. He got along with everybody.”
   
• President Trump singled out Senator Graham’s passionate defense of Brett Kavanaugh as a standout Senate moment: “I think his finest moment was his defense of Brett Kavanaugh, who’s terrific guy and was treated very, very unfairly by the Democrats… I think it was a top ten, maybe a top five, moment in the history of the Senate. It was an incredible display, and he did it from the heart. He felt strongly about Brett, and he did it from the heart — and it turned that whole thing around.”
   
• President Trump praised Senator Graham’s political skill and ability to build relationships: “He got along with everybody and yet, he was a tough cookie in a lot of ways. Honestly, he was a great politician. People don’t realize what a good politician he was... This man was a great politician. He really got it.”
   
• President Trump reflected on Senator Graham’s broader legacy: “We lost a great man. He was a great man. He was a great politician, and he was a kind man… The real loser was the United States of America. We lost a great person, a kind person, a very smart person… Everything for him was about work. It was about loving the country.”

On The Death Of Senator Lindsey Graham . . .

From our friend Christine Flowers:

I only just now . . . had a chance to read some of the comments about Lindsey Graham. Many of them are kind, thoughtful, very appropriate to mark the passing of a combat veteran, a man who spent three decades in public service, a staunch ally of Israel and a genuinely blithe spirit and happy warrior.

But many more have been cruel, a shameful example of the degradation of our discourse. Interestingly, most of the cruelty comes from the same people who accuse Donald Trump of being arrogant, rude, insensitive, insulting and coarse. Hypocrites are often the last to recognize their own hypocrisy. But I am particularly upset at the veiled accusations that Senator Graham “might have been gay.” It’s used as an insult, which I would think no longer has a place in our society, especially among the “genocide-rainbow-transisgood-pro abortion” demographic that recoils at any suggestion that we are not “Free To Be, You And Me” ( gratuitous Marlo Thomas reference.)

They ignore the fact that he put his own life on hold to raise his little sister when their parents died. Imagine that sacrifice, in a very young man. Perhaps that’s the reason he had no wife. Nobody’s business.

Beyond that, it’s a cruel suggestion that single people have something wrong with them, that there must be some ulterior reason, a hidden shame or a congenital defect, that has left them facing life “alone.”

I am single, by choice. I am happy to live in a world filled with friends I love, family I cherish, pets I have and will yet mourn when they cross into eternity. I treasure my dinners alone, quiet moments with a book or a slice of cake, walks in the rain (sorry if this ironically sounds like a personal ad.) I am truly happy for those who have found what the Italians call their “anima gemella,” their twin spirit. I am wryly amused yet still happy for those who’ve done it over, and over…and over again.

But like Lindsey, I see my life through a single lens, crystal clear. And yes, I am straight even though I went to Bryn Mawr.

My point is that criticizing Lindsey for his politics is fine (I shared them almost 100%.) But mocking his choice to remain single is more of a commentary on the mediocrity of the heckler than it is about the great spirit of a glorious patriot. Who is home, now, with some friends who loved him.

H/T: facebook 

Perceptive And Prophetic: His Words Live NOW!

Read It, And Reaffirm Your Love Of Country

On Our 250th: 101 Reasons To LOVE America!

 

Is it still OK to love America?

And is it OK to proclaim it -- to show it and shout it out, loud and clear?

Sometimes -- especially now, on our 250th -- you have to wonder. 

Of course, the media, the intelligentsia, the popular culture and the dreary liberals who apparently dominant those and other groups have been having a field day downing America -- overlooking its pluses and magnifying its very few minuses. And too many people are buying this nonsense -- especially miserable Democrats, liberals, socialists and the like. 

If these people had their way, we'd erase America's largely admirable history; snuff out America's glorious triumphs; dismiss America's generous heart; ignore the will of ordinary, everyday Americans and pretty much outlaw old-fashioned patriotism.

But so much for all that. This is a day for celebration and we're here to uphold America; to herald it; to joyously bask in its riches; to celebrate it and to shout as loud as we can: "Happy Birthday, America! We LOVE you!"

So, in that spirit (but in no particular order) here is our own rather subjective list of 101 reasons to love America.
You can feel free to add or subtract from this list or create your own list -- maybe you'll even come up with 250 reasons.  America gives you the freedom to do that -- and a lot more:

1) Our Constitution. The thread that holds us together and the bulwark of democracy.
2) Our federal system of 50 states, each distinctive, each free and independent but united as well. Remember: we are a republic. And thank goodness this was all just reaffirmed in several landmark decisions by our wonderful Supreme Court.
3) The Liberty Bell. Forever flawed though nonetheless inspiring and eternal.
4) The Founding Fathers and what they wrought. They risked their lives, property, fortunes and sacred honor. They weren't perfect, nor were the documents they crafted, but the principles they espoused remain a model for the world.
5) American summers, for summer is surely America's season.
6) Old glory, our flag -- proud, bright, brash and always flying high.
7) In God We Trust. Our enduring faith in Him and His destiny for us. Never, ever abandon or dishonor it. And, now -- celebrate the right to pray in public and to uphold your religious beliefs.
8) Baseball -- despite MLB and those who think they own the game, baseball belongs to everyone. While football may be America's sport, baseball remains its pastime. There is a difference.
9) The 4th of July. Our birthday and our touchstone. Never let others diminish or dishonor it.
10) Free elections. The right to choose the leaders that we want. Fight to keep them fair, verifiable and honest -- especially right now. This cherished right helps to secure all others.
11) Jazz. America's unique musical art form.
12) Those who served. Our veterans, protectors of our freedom.
13) The American Red Cross. There when we need them. And the Salvation Army, too!
14) Our free enterprise system. A model for the entire world.
15) Country music. The hip-slapping spirit of America.
16) Our glorious history -- a story that needs to be fully and fairly told with honesty and pride.
17) The Statue of Liberty. May her torch always be held high.
18) The White House. Remember -- it belongs to all of us! And let's put somebody in that house who's capable of actually leading -- with clarity, integrity, fortitude and common sense.
19) Our military --every branch and everyone who serves. Keep it focused on its core mission: to defend us fervently. Protect it from woke distractions.
20) The Grand Canyon. In a word, breathtaking. Keep it open and welcoming for everyone.
21) The great American novel. From the great white whale to The Great Gatsby, keep spinnin' those tales!
22) Freedom to worship, Our many houses of faith all across the land.
23) The Interstate Highway System. Thank you, President Eisenhower.
24) Our first responders, brave and steadfast.
25) Small towns. Where America's heart beats true.
26) Television. Yes, old-fashioned TV. For better or worse, it still reflects us and epitomizes the popular culture.
27) Our farmers. Keeping the agrarian spirit alive and the horn of plenty full -- especially across the Midwest and the Great Plains!
28) Broadway. The Great White Way, and all that it represents and all the razzle dazzle that surrounds it.
29) American cars (and our love affair with the car). The US auto industry is a vital pillar of our economy and a nurturer of our restless spirit -- and that includes those beloved gas-powered cars, too!
30) Cookouts and picnics. Munching under the sky with family and friends.
31) Las Vegas. Vegas, baby, Vegas!
32) Thanksgiving. A uniquely American holiday, the lead up to Christmas and the kickoff of our buying season.
33) The Rocky Mountains. America's sturdy backbone.
34) Neighbors and neighborhoods. Our real time, real people link in a high-tech age.
35) Our national park system. Even with those pesky rangers, it's a joy.
36) Our two-party system. It’s seen better times but it's still better than a lot of alternatives, so long as we fight for fair elections.
37) Apple pie. Yummy, yummy!
38) Gospel music. Expressing faith, love, joy and anguish.
39) The Gateway Arch. A soaring, inspiring welcome to America's frontier.
40) Cowboys. The enduring source of our wanderlust.
41) Elvis Presley. The King is on the premises, now and forever.
42) Roadside America. Every diner, dive and roadside attraction everywhere.
43) Flowering gardens. Roses and marigolds and azaleas and magnolias and all those other beautiful flowers and all the people who help make them bloom.
44) Our volunteer spirit -- from Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys right up to the present day.
45) Those who gave their all. All those who died protecting our freedoms, many buried on foreign soil. And all POWs and MIAs. We shall never forget.
46) A free press. We love them. We hate them. We curse them. We praise them. But most of all, we pray that most of them find their way back to objectivity.
47) The blues. Sad, sultry, soulful.
48) Andy Warhol. He made the ordinary extraordinary and made us look anew at modern art.
49) Dunkin Donuts. It's true: America runs on Dunkin!
50) New York. In more ways than one, the world's most exciting city. Let's hope it finds its way back -- and with those who lead with common sense.
51) Big Sur, Malibu, Monterey and the entire California coast, from top to bottom as well as all other enchanting seacoasts, including you, New Jersey!
52) Free public libraries. Let a million voices (and authors) be heard and keep them open to all and free of propaganda.
53) Our system of higher education -- especially our great public universities. Let's clean them up, clear them out and rid them of indoctrination and bias.
54) The legacy of Norman Rockwell. The man who showed us the best in ourselves.
55) Texas. Big. Bold. Proud. American.
56) Ferris wheels. From the 1893 Chicago World's Fair till now, still enchanting. And merry-go-rounds and roller coasters, too.
57) The Kentucky Derby. The legendary run for the roses.
58) Mount Rushmore. Our history wrought mammoth. And let's not change a thing about it.
59) The Smithsonian. Endlessly fascinating and still free.
60) NASA. To the moon and beyond -- with newer, bigger adventures ahead.
61) The Super Bowl. A bowl full of partying in an otherwise dull month.
62) The South. Lush land of tall tales, spirited music, colorful characters and fiery history.
63) Hot dogs. Plump, juicy and smothered with your choice of dressings, garnishes, condiments, whatever . . .
64) Home sweet home. The house you live it; your land, your property, your domicile and your right to treasure it and protect it.
65) The Great Lakes. Can you name all five of them?
66) Grandma Moses. The modern-day mother of self-taught American art.
67) Marilyn Monroe. Defying convention, she made America sexy once and for all.
68) The Mississippi. Mighty from top to bottom and everywhere in between.
69) The Indy 500. Vrrroooomm, vrrrrroooomm!
70) The great wits. From Mark Twain to Will Rogers to Dorothy Parker to Art Buchwald to Erma Bombeck to P. J. O'Rourke to Gutfeld.
71) The heartland. From Ohio to Iowa, where ordinary, everyday America thrives.
72) Blue jeans. On the farm, in the city and everywhere else.
73) "God Bless America." The people's anthem that Irving Berlin wrote just for us and the song that Kate Smith immortalized. Shame on Philly's Flyers for banishing her!
74) Independence Hall. Where it all began.
75) The Lincoln Memorial and the man it celebrates. The ultimate monument to the single most compelling figure in American history.
76) Rock 'n roll (aka rock). Rhythm 'n blues, jazz, honkey talk, soul, gospel -- all rolled into one.
77) The West. Where our restless spirit was born.
78) Sneakers. From PF Flyers, Keds and Chuck Taylor Converse to a $13 billion a year industry, we love 'em.
79) Dr. King and his revered legacy: peace, freedom, justice!
80) Barbecue. Beef or pork, wet or dry, hot or sweet, it's America.
81) The Washington Monument. The highest point in the capital and a fitting tribute to the father of our country.
82) Alaska and Hawaii. Our exotic and adventurous extremes.
83) Uncle Sam. When he calls, be sure to answer.
84) The Stars and Stripes Forever, and all of those great Sousa marches and their Sousa bands.
85) Native Americans. Our true heritage rests with them.
86) American architecture. Art that we live in, work in, play in; a living lesson in constructed beauty with skylines that soar.
87) Walt Whitman. "I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear . . . "
89) Motown. The irrepressible sound of a lively, searching soul.
90) New Orleans. A sassy, saucy, scintillating survivor.
91) Rugged individualists, gadflies, iconoclasts, muckrakers, mavericks and all those who afflict the powerful. Charge onward!
92) Harley Davidson. Still the king of the road.
93) Geeks. The tinkerers, problem solvers and dreamers.
94) Comics and comic books. From zany dimwits and lovable losers to iconic super heroes.
95) Truckers and truck stops. Keep on Rollin!
96) New England. Lobster, chowder, rugged seacoasts and cherished traditions.
97) Scientific pioneers. The searchers, the discoverers, the trailblazers and all those who make the breakthroughs that enrich and lengthen our lives.
98) American fashion. From Ralph and Tommy to Donna and Vera. From Seventh Avenue to the world.
99) New Jersey. The distinctive state that gave us Sinatra and The Boss and taught us all how to be wise guys.
100) Willie Nelson. Is there anyone he hasn't sung with or any genre of music he hasn't yet recorded?
101) The American Dream. A better life for our children and our children's children. Always, our best days lie ahead.
101 Reasons to Love America copyright 2012, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 by Dan Cirucci.

Revealed: The Italian Hand In America's Founding!

Before America had a Constitution, it needed words, ideas, and a vision of what a republic could look like. 

These Italians gave it all three.

Filippo Mazzei lived next door to Thomas Jefferson in Virginia, and the two men spent years exchanging ideas about liberty and government. Mazzei's own writing, "all men are by nature equally free and independent," is widely credited as the inspiration behind Jefferson's "all men are created equal" in the Declaration of Independence.

While Mazzei gave the founders their words, Gaetano Filangieri gave them a framework. His major work, "The Science of Legislation," reached Benjamin Franklin directly, and his ideas on law and government shaped political thought during the founding era.

Andrea Palladio never set foot in America. He lived two centuries before the Revolution. But his classical architectural style became the visual language of the young republic. Jefferson studied his work closely, and that influence can still be seen in Monticello, the University of Virginia, and the federal buildings that define American government today.

Words, ideas, and vision. Italians and Italian Americans helped shape this nation from its very first chapter.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a proud Supporting Partner of America250 honoring the generations of Italians and Italian Americans who have shaped our nation.

As The Big Moment Arrives, Where Lies Your Heart?

 

As our wonderful nation prepares to celebrate its 250th, if you cannot find it within your heart to be proud of America, then you have forgotten Franklin's admonition that “a right heart exceed all.” Set your heart right with the USA or suffer the consequences. God bless America!

Dream-Come-True For US, Nightmare For THEM!

 

And Now A HIUGE 'Thank You!' To A Great Company!

Yes, These Numbers Should Tell You A Lot!

 

From NJ State Assemblyman Paul Kanitra . . .

Aired Last Night: The Meaning Of Flag Day!

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐍’𝐒 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟔 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐆 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐔𝐅𝐂 𝐅𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐍 — 𝟒𝟎 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑

Between the fights at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn Saturday night — on President… pic.twitter.com/JSb51lUi8B

— M.A. Rothman (@MichaelARothman) June 15, 2026

THIS Is The Way To Sing THE Song, BRAVO!

Singing sensations Dan & Shay gave us a poignant beautiful National Anthem at the US soccer game that also resulted in a big USA win. What a wonderful, heartfelt moment!

As someone who’s been singing the National Anthem at rodeo events for over 20 years, I’ll just say….
There’s a way it was intended to be sung, without your own spin. This was 💯the way! Bravo! pic.twitter.com/MgX0XMfO7I

— Leslye ♥️ Texas (@LMozisek) June 13, 2026

Trump Thanks Reflecting Pool Workers

Im in tears. Donald Trump invited the hardworking men who renovated the Reflecting Pool to the Oval

Every man received a signed hat and a presidential challenge coin

I LOVE THIS ❤️

pic.twitter.com/svzLFIvpGd

— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) June 10, 2026

And look at their handiwork today! 

Actual unrertouched photo!

The Incredible Story Of Caesar Rodney, Patriot!

The Deciding Vote: Caesar Rodney, a Founding Father With Italian Roots, Delivered the Vote That Declared Independence

On July 2, 1776, Caesar Rodney rode 80 miles overnight from Dover to Philadelphia in a race against time. Arriving as the vote on independence was already underway, he cast the tie-breaking ballot that secured Delaware's support for separation from Great Britain, paving the way for the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. (Rodney's monument, pictured above, stood in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, from 1923 until its removal amid civil unrest in June 2020.)

A two-day reenactment will revive the harrowing journey; portraying Caesar Rodney is Ciro Poppiti, founder of the Delaware Italian American Foundation. On July 1, 1776, the Delaware delegation to the Continental Congress was deadlocked on the question of independence. One delegate supported breaking from Great Britain, another opposed it, and the fate of Delaware’s vote hung in the balance. About 80 miles away in Dover, Caesar Rodney — a Founding Father, lawyer and politician with English and Italian roots — received word of the impasse and set out on a grueling overnight ride to Philadelphia. Arriving just in time on July 2, Rodney cast the tie-breaking vote that delivered Delaware’s support for independence, clearing the way for the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and forever securing his place in American history. As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, 250Ride.org will bring Rodney’s remarkable journey to life with an immersive two-day reenactment of his historic ride by horse-drawn carriage.

Born in St. Jones Neck in Dover Hundred, Kent County, Delaware, Caesar Rodney, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a descendant of the noble Adelmare family from Treviso, Italy.

Portraying Rodney is Ciro Poppiti, founder of the 250 Ride and the Delaware Italian American Foundation, and the unanimous choice to bring Rodney to life. The journey will officially begin on Friday, June 12, with a prayer at Historic Christ Church in Dover, setting the tone for a launch rooted in unity and reflection. From there, the Ride will travel north through Delaware, culminating that evening at Thousand Acre Farm in Middletown, where guests will gather for the 250 Ride Gala.

Declaration of Independence, by John Trumbull (1818), portrays the presentation of the Declaration of Independence to Congress. Rodney was not depicted in the painting.

On Saturday, June 13, the reenactment continues through Historic Old New Castle, joining the annual Separation Day Parade before concluding later that day at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. For more on the story and upcoming events, visit 250Ride.org.

The uprooted Caesar Rodney monument, pictured at the top of the newsletter, was taken out of storage and installed in Washington, D.C.’s Freedom Plaza in April 2026 as part of the nation’s America250 summer celebration. The Delaware Italian American Foundation is a proud member of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO).

Formed in NYC in 1975, the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations (COPOMIAO) — a national coalition of 74 cultural, educational, fraternal and anti-defamation groups — seeks to promote our history and traditions for today’s generations, and tomorrow’s.

JOIN COPOMIAO AND ELEVATE YOUR ITALIAN AMERICAN GROUP TO THE NATIONAL LEVEL. APPLY TODAY

Get Ready, America: It's About To Happen!

 

The Words And The Meaning Still Resonate

At my high school graduation, the graduating class recited this poem in unison as part of a memorable choral reading. I wonder how many high school students today even know this poem by Robert Frost or even know who Robert Frost was?