I just sent this out to our Marines this morning.
Ladies and Gentlemen; Patriots all:
On September 11th of 2001, I was turning over with my relief as I completed my tour as the MMCO of HMM-262 aboard MCAS Futenma on Okinawa. Super Typhoon Nari was making its third pass over the Island and we had been on lockdown for a week plus, due to the heavy weather. Around 2100, Okinawa time, I was watching television and as I surfed through the channels, I happened to come across some sort of disaster movie. It was focused on New York City and one of the Trade Center Towers was smoking from some sort of explosion or impact. The special effects were uncomfortably realistic; a few minutes later was coverage of the second impact. Shortly thereafter I was called into work with my CO to begin contingency planning in case of aggressive actions in Asia.
Many of us remember what we were doing that day, in the Corps, or in civilian life. That event shaped a new way of thinking for many of us as Americans; it began an era of knowing that we are not intrinsically safe from evil in the world - that we must protect ourselves and those we love. I ask that you take a few minutes today to reflect on those events - the sons and daughters that America lost in a war, brought to us that morning in our homeland. Reflect on the importance of what we do, as we never know when our skills will be called in actual defense of our way of life, at home or abroad.
America is a wondrous place and our Corps is a wondrous group with which to serve - because of all of you.
As an American, I thank you for your serve and sacrifice. You may not know my sons, but you are protecting them as they live and grow and I am indebted to each of you for that.
As a Marine, I appreciate the opportunity to interact with some of the most amazing people that I have ever met; Marines are truly incredible creatures. We are all mean, and all green - we are brothers and sisters; family.
From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli and on to the new verse of Marine Corps history being written with our service. Semper Fidelis.
With thanks and humility,
Maj Shawn Hughes, USMC