9/11 Thoughts by State Rep. Josh Mandel

Here are some remarks sent to me from 17th District State Rep. Josh Mandel, who is running for Treasurer of the State of Ohio:

This week, we will mark the eighth anniversary of the September 11th attacks that forever changed our nation. We will never forget those who lost their lives in that tragedy, nor will we forget those who have since paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe.

As a Marine serving in Iraq, I can tell you that I was inspired knowing that hard-working, patriotic Americans from across the nation were saying prayers, writing letters and flying their flags in support of all of our troops overseas.

It reminded me of the movement that spread like lightning through our country on 9/11 and the days to follow. We weren’t Republicans or Democrats…we were Americans.

September 11th might not be an official holiday, but I hope you will urge all of your family, friends and neighbors to fly their flag and tell their children and grandchildren what it means to be free.

As a great President once said, “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

On the eighth anniversary of these attacks, please take a moment to not only remember the lives that were lost, but the responsibility incumbent upon us to keep their memory, and the freedom for which so many have sacrificed, alive for future generations.

Best Wishes,


Josh