Democrats Abroad Global VMF Caucus Reflections on September 11 Memorial
In reflecting on one of America’s darkest days in its history, September 11, 2001, the Democrats Abroad Global Veterans and Military Families (VMF) Caucus and the Global Disability Caucus co-hosted an online 9/11 remembrance event on September 11, 2024 to honor the thousands of Americans who perished at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Despite the fact that the General Election is currently only days away, VMF felt it was important to halt all discussion of politics and simply pause to pay 9/11 respects and recognitions.
VMF Vice Chair Kee Evans was especially moved by this event which recognized the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. “From the start of the call, we had tears in our eyes as we listened to Bruce Springsteen performing ‘I’ll See You in My Dreams,’ a song he wrote and performed at the 20th 9/11 Memorial Ceremony in New York. I’m grateful that participants shared their feelings - where they were, how they found out. We mourned the loss of those who died on September 11th and those who died afterward from exposure to toxic chemicals or injuries, and those who were injured or died in the subsequent wars that followed. We spoke of the people still suffering all these years later. Our VMF Caucus was honored to co-host this event with the DA Global Disability Caucus.”
Longtime disability rights advocate Liz Blackbourn offered her reflections from the online memorial as well. “I’d really like to thank everyone for joining and for honoring the lives lost. Thank you for honoring the courage of those who put themselves in harm’s way to save people they never knew. Thank you for honoring those who continue to serve, and for sharing perspectives and personal narratives,” she said. “Our narratives define us and unite us, so VMF wants you to know we appreciate you coming together. That strength has fortified us across these 23 years and will continue to bind us as one American family in the years to come. There will always be a place to share in Democrats Abroad, and there are no limits to what we can achieve when we are united.”
Susan Fitoussi, a leader in both VMF and Democrats Abroad France, also attended the call and shared her feedback. “Our memories and the comments were heartfelt as if it was just yesterday that the Twin Towers were hit and our world as we knew it was changed forever. It is very important for us to remember and honor the memory of those who perished in the most horrific attack of our country, and also take the time to remember how many service people risked their lives and still live with permanent health issues as a result,” she remarked. Indeed, to this day many veterans and other heroes are battling ongoing health issues from their direct involvement in trying to save lives on 9/11.
A similar online event was held two years ago. With an all-around positive experience received from members who attended that event, VMF was proud to co-host it again with an emphasis on staying true to the “never forget” promise of 9/11. Democrats Abroad members from all three global regions attended the 2024 online event, which consisted of a slide presentation, a forum for individuals to speak openly on their 9/11 experience, and a moment of silence to respect and remember all of the fallen heroes and victims from that fateful day.
The VMF Caucus, proudly consisting of veterans, military family members, and strong allies of veterans and military family causes, has a membership of roughly 1,200 members located in dozens of countries.
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