The Courage to Fight and the Will to Win
I’ve shared the story and message below every year on 9/11 since Tanya and I launched Fifth & Cherry. This Sunday marks the 21st Anniversary of the attacks; I’m sharing the message again because Fifth & Cherry is a hard-fought dream realized, and I believe every day is an opportunity. We’re grateful for our customers and the opportunity to serve you.
Here’s the quick story and repost:
On September 11th, 2001, I was a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. It was the exact day I got to choose which helicopter I’d fly and my parents were on a flight from Pennsylvania to see me get my wings a few days later. I, like so many that day, sat glued to the TV and phone, worrying if I would ever see or hear from them again. Thankfully, my parent’s plane was grounded safely in Charlotte and they took a rental car down to Pensacola. My father got to pin my wings on me. An indelible moment in time as I was about to gain a perspective that I might never have obtained otherwise.
I’ve posted the below message to our blog every year on 9/11 since Tanya and I launched Fifth & Cherry. On this 20th Anniversary of 9/11, I wanted to share the above story with all of you and repost the message that I feel so deeply in my soul and strive to live by every day.
“Committed to every battle. Whether the battle requires a fight for self-mastery, our communities, or the nation, within every Marine, lies the courage to fight and the will to win.” -- USMC
Celebrate freedom today. Honor the fallen by living.
Live the life you want to live. Don’t let fear stop you from following your dreams. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Have the courage to fight for your dreams and the drive to make them come true.
Carry love and compassion in your heart because everyone is at a different stage of their journey. It’s never too late to follow your heart, start your business, say I love you, find happiness and give it to others. Start today.
9/11 changed everything for everyone. It did for me. Choose to live. Choose to fight. Choose to win.