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I sat in sadness watching the first tower in Manhattan burning, knowing that there were a lot of people, people I had worked with in the financial industry, on those upper floors of the first World Trade Center tower. As yet I was unaware of the tragedy that was unfolding. I was not aware that a plane had treacherously been flown into the World Trade Center Tower, causing the flaming inferno that trapped so many lives as I watched.

It became much clearer as I watched, and witnessed the second plane hit the next World Trade Tower. We were under attack! It had been a long time since I had been in combat, but suddenly I had a feeling of sensory overload as the adrenaline flooded my system.

Americans rallied around our politicians that day, as we embraced each other and vowed to stand united for a common cause… our survival against the tyranny of radical Islam.

The days of Americans have seemingly long since left us. We have once again become a nation divided, skeptical of each other and quick to find faults in others. But it is not always the case.

On my trip to Sturgis this year, I met a vet at Yellowstone. Strangely he recognized my boots. We began talking about riding, and he commented that he did not ride because a civilian on a motorcycle stole his girl while he was on his first tour. I had to remind him that if she was going to leave him, it was going to happen anyway. The motorcycle was not the villain. I also told him that I met more veterans riding then in any other setting.

I was reflecting the other day on John and Steve, two Navy veterans that shared a bar tab with me in Sturgis. The things we had in common? We rode, served, loved beer and women. Commonality can be that simple!

Today is September 11, 2009. 9/11. This is the day we remember the nearly 3000 people that died in those towers, but also the 4800+ men and women that lost their lives in Iraq, and the 850 more that have perished in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

We owe everything to the veterans that have gone before us. Our freedom, our dignity, and our way of life all are the direct result of those that have laid down their lives for this country. All Gave Some, But Some Gave All!

There are several “Remember 9/11″ rides throughout the country today. Join one if you can. If not, bow your head in silence for just a moment. Reflect on the 3000 souls lost that fateful day. And say a little prayer for the warriors that have stepped forward for us all.

God bless us all. God Bless America!

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