YourPatriotism would like to applaud Medal of Honor winner Marine SGT Dakota Meyer for his display of great integrity.  Despite winning the nations top award, he is not using it to gain from such an award.  Given the opportunity to join the FDNY given to him due to his MOH, SGT Meyer declined due to his belief that he is not entitled to any exceptions.

New York Post - Medal of Honor winner declines court's offer to join FDNY

By MITCHEL MADDUX The city today asked a federal judge for permission to re-open its books for aspiring firefighters so that a decorated US Marine can realize his dream to join the FDNY. But Congressional Medal of Honor winner Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer doesn't believe he's entitled to an exception. Keith Sullivan, Meyer's attorney said, "Sgt. Dakota Meyer is a man of impeccable character. And he greatly appreciates all of the support he has received over the past few days from residents of New York City. Sgt. Meyer does not feel he's entitled to an exception. At this time, he has advised me he will not accept the court's offer." Sullivan also said that he was trying to convince Meyer to change his mind and submit an application. Brooklyn federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis, who's overseeing efforts to increase the number of minorities in the fire department's ranks after a bitter Justice Department lawsuit, gave the city the green light "in view of Sergeant Meyer’s recognized and truly exceptional military service." Garaufis has already indicated to Meyer's attorney, Keith Sullivan, that he would not oppose the city's wish to re-open the application period to accommodate the Marine. However - in an official memorandum earlier today - the judge advised Sullivan that the decision to re-open the FDNY's books belonged to the city, as long as it explains its rationale and details how it city plans to publicize the temporary extension of the application deadline. Garufis rejected a broader request from the city to open the doors for 24 hours to everyone who wants to apply to the FDNY, saying that without accompanying recruitment efforts it might actually sabotage the goal of expanding minority ranks in a fire department that's overwhelmingly white. Meyer says he missed the earlier two-month application window because of the whirlwind events surrounding his Medal of Honor, which he was awarded by President Obama on Sept. 15. Meyer, 23, of Columbia, Ky., told the FDNY last Tuesday that he wanted to join the department, but was informed that the deadline had just passed -- and that he would have to wait another four years. "It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a way I feel I can do my part in giving back to America,” Meyer told The Post this weekend after tossing a ceremonial pitch at Citi Field.

The medal of honor was awarded to US Marine Dakota Meyer September 16, 2011 by President Obama. I read an article that was written by Washington Post author Jena McGregor and feel I could not say it better.  Here is here story about Dakota Meyer:  

I write about leaders every day. Those who lead their field, such as sports stars with raw talent or innovators with bright ideas. Others who lead large organizations, and their various antics and foibles. Those who technically lead nothing, but have amassed a group of followers all the same. And of course, those who lead our country or would like to, sometimes with leadership qualities but just as often without. But it is rare that I get to write about people who are leaders in every sense of the word. Today is one of those days. Dakota Meyer, the first living Marine to earn the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War, was honored by the president Thursday for his actions in Afghanistan that helped to rescue three dozen fellow soldiers and recover four dead American troops. The details of his valor and leadership qualities have by now been well accounted. He showed courage to an extraordinary degree: He braved enemy fire five times, fighting his way into an ambush in an Afghan ravine and killing eight Taliban soldiers in the process. He has a clear moral center, willing to go up against the command of his officials to do what he felt was right. And he is exceedingly loyal to his colleagues, unwilling to leave behind men he considered brothers in an episode that has been examined over and over again and at times called an institutional failure. Even after the controversial ambush, Meyer’s leadership narrative remains intact. He is unwaveringly conscientious, asking the President to call back during his lunch hour because he was currently on duty in his construction job. He is humble, telling The New York Times that “my story is one of millions, and the others aren’t often told.” And he’s using his own power to serve others, working to raise funds for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Read the rest of the Story...

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="364" caption="Image taken by Bill O'Leary - WASHINGTON POST"][/caption]

  On September 17, 2011 the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) held a memorial service for fallen firefighters from around the country.  The memorial is located in Colorado Springs Colorado beneath the shadow of Pike's Peak.  Since its creation in 1976, 2,410 fallen IAFF members have been engraved into the wall of honor located behind the memorial.  The memorial was designed to honor the sacrifices made by IAFF members that served as professional firefighters and emergency medical personnel. This years memorial adds 87 names to the memorial. Firefighters also marked the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 when the nation's largest fire department lost 343 people. Members of the F.D.N.Y. were in town to honor them. A retired member brought with him letters from elementary school children who had learned about 9/11 and the ultimate sacrifice fire fighters made. A letter from a girl named Shelby read: "Thank you for protecting the country. Hope you firefighters are happy and healthy and have a good week. It's so sad that you've lost old friends. You've been keeping the country safe for so long." (KKTV News 11- Colorado Springs) Firefighters and Emergency Medical personnel put their lives in harms way on a daily basis.  Your Patriotism salutes them for their bravery and dedication to duty and the safety of those under their charge. Links

• http://www.iaff.org/hs/ffm/thisyear/index.aspx
• KKTV News 11- Colorado Springs
• MSNBC- Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Service Held in Colorado Springs, Colo.

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[audio: http://yourpatriotism.com/audio/911-Speech.mp3] My Words Today we remember the tragedy that struck the nation.  A tragedy no one ever thought could happen to us, but it did.  2,819 people were killed on September 11^th, 2001 when terrorists planned and executed an attack that destroyed the World Trade Center towers in New York City and damaged the Pentagon in Washington DC.  And one lone plane, filled with heroes, crashed in an open field in Pennsylvania.  A total of four air planes were hijacked to carry out this attack.  All but one reached their target. On this solemn day many are reflecting where they were ten years ago when the unthinkable happened, many are finding ways to remember the dead, some are showing their support for a military that has been at war, others are participating in ceremonies.  The names of those that lost their lives will have been called off in memorials around the nation at least once in remembrance.  News agencies will show achieved footage of that day and YouTube will show homemade tribute videos of images put to music. Today is the day to embrace what happened.  To take a moment of silence as we recognize the lives that were lost.  As we contemplate the heroes that showed their courage in the face of extreme danger.   343 Firefighters and Paramedics went into the towers that morning, each one climbing those stairs with one purpose – to do their job and that is to help those in trouble.  Each one put their lives in harm’s way.  Each one put aside their fears for family and friends.  Each one made that bold and courageous decision to carry out their orders knowing they would probably not make it out themselves. That is true bravery.  That is a commitment to Selfless Service, to honor, and to duty. But there were more than firefighters and paramedics that displayed great heroism.  23 New York Police officers lost their lives that day, 30 died in the Pentagon attack and we cannot forget the victims that died in the World Trade Center Towers and the four airplanes, American Airlines Flight 11, American Airlines Flight 77, United Airlines Flight 175, and United Airlines Flight 93. Flight 93 of course was the one airplane that never reached its target.  The brave crew and passengers upon hearing about the attacks took a stand and knowing they would be committing suicide took over the plane thwarting the terrorist’s final attack – saving countless lives. Many heroes were born on September 11^th, 2001 and many died.  They shall not be forgotten.  They will live on in the memories of their loved ones, their family, their friends, and even the strangers that watched this tragic attack unravel on television.  No matter how you plan to remember, memorialize, or heal from this attack today – I ask you to take a moment to remember those that lost their lives. Our nation is filled with Patriotic proud people and that is how we must remain.  Although we are at war with terrorism, although young Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines are fighting and dying for our freedom we cannot give in to the terrorist’s desires.  We must stand committed to freedom, we must stand as one, and we must remain vigilant in our search for Patriotism.  Let no man take from us what our forefathers fought to give us.  Let no man reduce the value of those that died in pursuit of freedom and the American way of life. My name is Jason Clemens and I am a proud American.  I thank all of you who display your patriotism for this country openly and proudly each day.  May god watch over you and this nation.  I thank you for listening today at Your Patriotism, may we always remember the attacks that occurred on September 11^th, 2001.  

On this day before the 10th anniversary of 9/11 we begin to remember all of that this country went through.  Emotions return as we see images and videos about that tragic day.  Here are some videos I found on Yahoo News and MSNBC that shows us what happened the morning of Septerber 11, 2001 while remembering those who died.

From Yahoo News

Beginning at 8:00 AM/ET on Sunday, September 11, Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos will anchor three hours of live special coverage, “9/11:America Remembers Ten Years Later — A Special Edition of Good Morning America."  You can watch that coverage live on Yahoo!

Share your 9/11 memories with us on Twitter - #911remembered

Share your stories on Your Patriotism by visiting My Patriotism

 9/11 video timeline: How the day unfolded

From MSNBC

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The reading of 72 names of those firefighters that died when the World Trade Center towers collapsed. The video was created by the City of Elizabeth.

New York Firefighters in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks are riding 343 miles from Long Island, New York to the Pentagon in Washington DC.  They left September 7th and will arrive on September 11th.  They are traveling 343 miles, which is 1 mile for each of the 343 firefighters that lost their lives trying to rescue people from the World Trade Center Buildings. To find out more about this event visit http://www.fdny343ride.com/ or visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/FDNY-343-Ride/105541552857853 Here is an update on the ride from Eugene A. Van Nostrand Good morning! The FDNY 343 Ride are on the move as they begin day 3 of their bicycle ride! I posted 2 FDNY 343 Ride albums... adding photos as I get them. Be sure to visit www.fdny343ride.com and donate towards our wounded soldiers. Thank you and have a great day!!! via Facebook. [flagallery gid=7 name="Gallery"]

 TIME: Sunday, September 11 · 9:00am - 5:00pm

WHERE: Where Ever You Are

Lets pass this around and call for a moment of silence in respect to one of the worse tragedies on American soil in our times. At 9:11 on 9/11 we will respect a moment of silence for 9min 11 sec. It seems like a long time but imagine the people that were trapped in the towers, under the building when it collapsed. Lets for once ignore the political wall that has divided this country and for just 9min and 11 seconds come together as one. WILL YOU JOIN ME.... via Moment Of SilenceEvent of Facebook created by Keith R. Gini, Firefighter Ray Perkowski, Sarina Jade Beckwith. 22,996 People say they are attending, will you?

 

Don't forget to also fly your US Flag at half staff from sunrise to sunset.

Read stories posted on CNN's iReport about 9/11

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Thousands help restore massive flag from ground zero

September 8, 2011 3:39 p.m. EDT CNN Heroes - Jeff Parness By Kathleen Toner

(CNN) -- Each year around September 11, CNN Hero Jeff Parness and his volunteers go to a disaster-stricken community to help them rebuild. The efforts are part of New York Says Thank You, an organization Parness created to honor the support that other cities provided after the 2001 terrorist attacks. The volunteer group continues to grow because many of the people it helps go on to "pay it forward" and participate in the next year's rebuilding project. Since 2004, nearly 10,000 people nationwide have participated in projects organized by Parness. CNN's Kathleen Toner recently spoke with Parness about his group's plans for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, which includes the final restoration of the National 9/11 Flag. Read the rest of the story ... See more about Jeff Parness at CNN Heroes