For Americans the date “September 11, 2001″ evokes very distinct memories and triggers us to remember – where we were on that day – what we were doing at that hour – the emotions we felt throughout the day – the call to action it invoked – all vivid memories of that specific time in our lives when the world, as we knew it, changed forever.
Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region/U.S. Army Military District of Washington, the unit I command, was born out of the ashes of 9/11. As a country and as a command, we have changed since 9/11, but we will never forget that day. September 11, 2001, was among the darkest days for America, but it was also the day we discovered our capacity for courage, goodwill and sacrifice may well be limitless.
As part of the activities leading up to 9/11, this week we kick off the U.S. Army’s Spirit of America show at the Verizon Center before taking the show on the road to North Charleston, South Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida. There are two shows on Friday, September 9, at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and two shows on Saturday, September 10, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, these shows take on special significance as they celebrate the history and incredible spirit of our country, from its very beginning to the present day, through the eyes of Soldiers. America’s sons and daughters have always answered the call to defend our Nation and will continue to do so, standing ever ready to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.
This professional production features more than 350 Soldiers, as well as the Army’s premier ceremonial units of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), and The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Tickets to the show are free, but you must have a ticket to get in. Seating is getting limited for some of the shows, but the Friday evening performance still has tickets available. To get your tickets, go to www.verizoncenter.com or call 202-628-3200. If you are unable to attend the show, we invite you to watch the show via live streaming at www.soa.mdw.army.mil.
Come out and join us as we remember a day that will never be forgotten and celebrate the “Spirit of America.”
Blog post submitted by
Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington
Commander, Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region/Military District of Washington
