09/11/2026
9/11. A day that changed America forever.
There is still such a sobering feeling when I think back to that day, and even after all these years, the emotions have not changed one bit.
Yesterday at Kiwanis, we had the privilege of hearing from Sue Pate, who was a flight attendant for Delta. Her husband was a pilot, and they were both working flights on September 11, 2001. Their flights were diverted to Newfoundland, where they, along with passengers and crews from 28 other planes, unexpectedly found themselves stranded for three days.
Her story was incredible—especially hearing how a small community suddenly became a place of refuge for thousands of people. In the midst of fear, uncertainty, and tragedy, strangers opened their homes and hearts to one another.
Marietta Kiwanis has a wonderful tradition of placing American flags throughout our community on special patriotic days. And at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, 2,977 flags have been placed—one for every person who lost their life in the September 11 attacks.
What a beautiful and powerful display of honor for the victims, the heroes, the first responders, and the families whose lives were forever changed that day.
May we always remember the unity we felt as Americans.
May we honor those we lost.
And may we Never Forget. 🇺🇸
