Officer Hartnett: 9/11 Changed My Life Forever

The following is a speech delivered by Medford Police Officer Charles Hartnett, a 2000 Medford High School graduate who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, during Medford’s ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of September 11th.

Mr. Mayor, members of the Medford City Council, distinguished guests, family and friends. Thank you for giving me the distinct honor of speaking here today.

When I was asked to speak about today, many thoughts came to my mind. I felt sadness and anger, but I also felt proud and patriotic. I was not anywhere near New York, Pennsylvania, or the Pentagon, however, 9/11 changed my life forever.

10 years ago, I was a student at UMASS, who felt the need to get more out of life. While trying to figure out the direction my life would take, one image kept coming to mind. The year was 1991, I remembered watching American soldiers marching in the desert, in an effort to liberate the people of Kuwait. Their bravery and courage to leave the peace and stability of home inspired me. Although I was young, I was so proud that these men and women chose to defend us. I knew that these images would play a part in my life later on. On August 15, 2001, I raised my right hand and took an oath to defend this great nation of ours with the United States Army. Three weeks later, although I was 215 miles away, the attacks of September 11th would change my life’s course.

Over the next 8 years, I found myself in several different locations over the globe. My first tour of duty was in Uzbekistan and Pakistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and then in Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While serving in both of these conflicts, it often became difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sitting inside a humvee for 12 hours with body armor strapped to you definitely gets to you. In times when I became upset, frustrated, or missed home, it only took the images of 9/11 to remind me of what I was doing there and why it was so important for me as a leader of soldiers to continue the fight, and keep my head in the game. I, along with every other member of the United States military, never wanted to see another tragic day such as 9/11. I would remind myself of the 3,000 victims that lost their lives that day, and their families who had suffered. I would remind myself of the 6,000 military personnel who died in support of both operations. I thought of every soldier who had gone before me and answered our nation’s call, some making the ultimate sacrifice. All this made me proud and gave me the strength to carry on.

Most commonly, and of particular significance to me were images of America shortly after 9/11. America became a unified nation. American flags were proudly being displayed on vehicles, shirts, homes, and anywhere we could stick a flag. America was not divided by race, religion, sex or creed. Instead, America united as red, white and blue. We became a country that stood in unity against a common enemy. America showed its resolve, character, and spirit. Nations around the globe envied our ability to unify under our flag, while our enemies ran scared at the thought of it. This made me so proud to call myself an American and a soldier. As we sit here today, on this day of remembrance, I ask you all to remember the pride that our country displayed in the weeks after 9/11. Let us not forget the price we pay when we are divided. No matter what political philosophy you may subscribe to, and no matter where you come from, please, let us not forget who we are. We are Americans. We are the strongest, and greatest nation on Earth. Because of this, YOU are the strongest, and YOU are the greatest. I ask you to support your troops who have put their lives on hold in order to keep us safe. Remember the sacrifices they make. Remember that some never made it home because they answered the call. These soldiers have done it for their families, the victims of 9/11, and for every American, even though you may never know their name or face. In supporting them, you are not letting go of the images of 9/11. Supporting them, and being proud to be an American, will not allow our nation to forget about the events that transpired ten years ago.

As you look around today, you see many public safety officials who are here because they are proud to be part of the American team. On September the 11th, 2001, 421 first responders and public safety officials died in the line of their respective duties. 343 New York Fire Fighters, 37 New York Police Officers, 23 Port Authority Police Officers, 15 EMTs, and 3 Court Officers perished. These brave men and women, like their military counterpart, answered the call to duty and paid the ultimate sacrifice. America CAN NOT forget the difficult job these men and women face every day. These individuals leave their homes every night, go to serve their communities, unknowing whether they will come home at the end of the night. They play an integral part in support of the war on terror. These warriors are the domestic face of America’s defense. They have answered their call for civic duty, and should be duly recognized. I knew that once I completed my service to the Army, I wanted to continue to serve in some capacity. That is why I am so honored to stand before you today in this uniform. I am grateful for the distinct privilege to serve the citizens of Medford as a police officer, as I did our nation as a soldier. As a side note, I would be remissed if I didn’t pay a special thanks to the families of our military, law enforcement, fire personnel and all public safety. They sacrifice their loved ones everyday and should be recognized.

So I ask you today, and everyday, to take pride in being an American. We are afforded opportunities that are easily taken for granted, while others around the globe can only dream of them. It seems redundant to say, “ we have the freedoms to do whatever we want.” But that can not be forgotten. We treat our people with dignity and respect. I can remember speaking with an Iraqi soldier who served under Saddam Hussein. He told me that as a line solider, he would have to dig through trash to find food. He remembered his family being threatened death if he did not fully support Saddam Hussein. He admired our country so much and thanked us for what we were doing. As I said before, remember that America is the greatest and strongest nation. Because of this, YOU are the the strongest and greatest. YOU are part of something great. Be proud of it, and never forget the events that transpired ten years ago. Keep the memory of those who perished close to your hearts. Remember to take pride in your country. President Bush declared in 2002 that September the 11th be known as Patriot Day. I ask you today to make every day Patriot Day. Remember those who have gone before us, but continue on with the American spirit. Never forget 9/11. The world is a different place because of it, and the families of the 3,000 victims will never be the same. One thing does remain the same: our ability as Americans to overcome any obstacle that comes before us. Thank you all for being here today. God bless our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who are in harms way as we speak, and God bless the United States of America.