COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho – “On September the 11th 2001, 72 peace officers woke up that morning to serve their community. 72 peace officers, 343 firefighters, 55 military personnel, and around 2,527 civilian personnel were murdered by 19 radical Muslims in the name of Islam,” stated Sheriff Bob Norris. “Around the country, people pause today to remember those 2,997 victims who lost their lives.”
The efforts to combat terrorist threats from Muslim Jihadists continue to this day. Local Gold Star families who lost loved ones overseas during the war on terror campaigns were honored during the Memorial Service marking the 23rd Anniversary of 9/11.
Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Mohawk introduced gold star families, their fallen loved ones, and their ongoing efforts to carry forward.
Theresa Hart, mother of SPC Nicholas Newby, who was killed in action on July 7, 2011, in Iraq. Theresa founded Newby-ginnings in 2013 and has served over 6,000 veterans and their families.
Harv Martin, father of SPC Ethan Martin, who was killed in action on August 7, 2012. Harv’s wife Pam Martin served as a volunteer on an ambulance in remembrance of Ethan, and Harv uses his social media account to help people throughout the community.
John and Stacey Holley, parents of SPC Matthew Holley, who was killed in action on November 15, 2005. The diligent efforts of John and Stacey to bring Matthew home with dignity and honor led to a new national standard. Now, all war-time dead are returned home on a special charter flight and greeted by an honor guard during a dignified transfer ceremony. Just last month, the remains of a World War I casualty were greeted by an honor guard in Seattle, Washington.
John and Lorie Goldsmith, parents of Sgt. First Class Green Beret Wyatt Goldsmith, who was killed in action on July 15, 2011, in Afghanistan. John and Lorie honor Wyatt’s death while helping Afghan commandos by donating to help Afghan allies who risk their lives to aid U.S. military forces. Both John and Lorie are active volunteers with Newby-ginnings.
“9/11 is this generation’s ‘where were you moment’ that shocked some communities to their core,” shared Norris. He went on to explain that criminal activity came to a “screeching halt” all across America in the days that followed the Muslim terrorist attack. “We vow to never forget.”
Norris said he is convinced that the counterterrorism work done by local law enforcement and the United States military prevented further terrorist attacks on American soil.
“As a nation, we instantly took that tragedy and turned it into strength and pride,” stated Sheriff’s Deputy Jay Lillefloren, who was an active duty Marine Corp Master Gunnery Sergeant stationed at Camp Pendleton on 9/11. “More people enlisted in that year following 2001 than in any year since.”
He clearly remembers the thousands of first responders and “civilians of every blue collar trade” who showed up with excavators and bulldozers to assist in recovery.
Lillefloren recalled that it was impossible to find an American flag to buy in the days following the 9/11 terrorist attack, because they were sold out and being flown. “Every flag pole, every building. Hell, every pickup truck, fence post, and front porch in America was adorned with an American flag.”
Lillefloren, who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom said, “I always insist on taking the fight to them, and never having it again on American soil. Ever.”
“We honor those we lost by remembering,” encouraged Lillefloren. “Remember to fly the flag. Remember why we worked that 12-hour shift and why we put that uniform on everyday. And finally, remember to thank each other.”
