The attacks on September 11, 2001, are burned in our nation's collective memory. From the terrorists' perspective, the day was highly effective.

The targets they aimed to destroy that Tuesday morning were destroyed - in grand fashion.

We expect that the masterminds behind the attack were quite pleased with themselves. They had won the battle.

Fortunately, the war had just begun.

The terrorists misjudged America's mettle. The attackers assumed that the U.S. would, when attacked, turn tail and run.

In fact, just the opposite occurred. Unlike the Spanish, who when attacked changed the course of their involvement in the war on terror, resolve in the U.S. became crystallized.

In the days following 9-11, a new resurgence of American patriotism emerged. American flags sprang up everywhere.

The sea of red, white and blue stood as a symbol of our country's resolve and defiance in the face of our attackers.

Following the outpouring of patriotism, our nation went to war - a war on terror.

We sent troops into harm's way, first to Afghanistan, then Iraq.

Men and women of our armed forces gave the ultimate sacrifice, all in the name of serving our country.

Each person who served is a hero in our eyes. Regardless of the branch of the armed forces and regardless of whether or not the person actually saw any "action" or not, each remains a hero.

Tomorrow, our area welcomes home a portion of its sons and daughters who served. Though lots of others who call our area home have gone overseas and served, the Ohio Army National Guard's 216th Engineer Battalion will be among the largest single group of returning heroes to our area.

We urge all area residents to think back to why these men and women served in the first place. We hope they remember the surge of patriotism that washed the country with red, white and blue in the days following 9-11. Display your patriotism and your thanks for the men and women of the 216th along with others who have served by displaying an American flag on Friday.

Let your flag wave proudly and freely to show those who fought for freedom just how much we appreciate them and all those freedoms that we enjoy.