09/11/2018
Today marks the seventeenth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on our nation. Whether you lost someone dear to you or watched the events unfold on television, that day continues to shape our lives and our nation. Each year, on Patriot Day, we honor and remember those men and women who lost their lives, and the brave men and women who helped save lives during and after the tragedy. It is important that we never forget the names and legacies of those lost; some who are laid to rest at VA national cemeteries across the nation.
Courageous men and women who served our country in uniform such as Melissa Barnes, U.S. Navy, buried at Riverside National Cemetery and Diana Padro, U.S. Army Veteran, buried at Puerto Rico National Cemetery died during the attack on the Pentagon. Others such as Sergeant Michael Curtain, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, a member of the Emergency Unit of the NYPD, or Edward J. Martinez, U.S. Navy, an operations manager at Cantor Fitzgerald perished after the attacks on the World Trade Center buildings. Both are buried at Calverton National Cemetery alongside others we lost. At Quantico National Cemetery, Cheryle Sincock, wife of an Army Veteran, is laid to rest near two others who fell that day.
As VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said, “Despite the loss, we remain free, confident, and the beacon of hope for the entire world.”
We honor the uncommon bravery of these men and women, Veterans and spouses, and remain committed to ensuring their legacies never die. We will watch over them, in perpetuity—those who have been entrusted into our care. We will remember all who died that day. They are forever etched into our collective memory. I am
Sincerely,
Randy Reeves
Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs