Seven years ago, our country watched in horror as we were attacked on our soil. Today, let us pay tribute to the men and women who braved the smoke and flames of the World Trade Center in order to rescue those in harm's way, the soldiers who battled the fires at the Pentagon, and the folks like you and me who fought back in the Pennsylvania skies. Folks like Walter Weaver, one of the thousands of Americans who embodied courage, honor, and duty on that dark day.
Officer Weaver was a member of the New York Police Department, and an NRA member as well. Just 30 years old, he died in the World Trade Center while trying to rescue the victims trapped in the rubble. His family, keeping his memory alive, donated his service pistol to the NRA, and we have enshrined it in our museum as a tribute to his courage and the courage of his fellow first responders.
The World War I fighter pilot and Medal of Honor winner Eddie Rickenbacker once said, "Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared."
The heroes of 9/11 undoubtedly were afraid. But they rose above their fear and reached the height of bravery in defense and support of their fellow Americans. The greatest tribute we can give to those who lost their lives seven years ago is to strive for that kind of courage in our lives.
On this day, we remember Walter Weaver and all the brave Americans and NRA members who lost their lives. God bless those men and womem, God keep their families in His heart, and God bless the U.S.A.
