None of us will ever forget where we were on September 11, 2001. Looking for a fitting message to share at this 10-year milestone, we wanted to commemorate the past, present and future issues surrounding the harrowing events of September 11.

What we came up with is this simple request: That all of you—as individuals, as family members and as Americans—take time on this occasion to Remember, Support, Prepare.

Remember

By remembering, we mean looking back at the past and honoring the memory of the individuals who lost their lives.

And by remembering, we mean acknowledging and saluting the countless individuals, relief workers and common citizens, who stepped forward to help those harmed.

Support

And that brings us to our second point—support. We ask that you continue to support what we sometimes call the ‘silent strength’ of America, the present efforts being made—often in the background and without fanfare—to help this nation stay safe.

Support relief workers, the military, our government, families and each other during uncertain times.

Prepare

A constructive way to help ourselves and our country continue its recovery is in preparing for the future. To prepare is the third request we make of you today.

We hope you will take simple preparedness steps to protect yourselves, your loved ones and our community.

Please REMEMBER them.

SUPPORT the continuing efforts to help this great nation recover.

And PREPARE yourself, your families and your communities to respond to unexpected disasters. Contact us at 330-343-8633 or visit mlcredcross.org to learn more.

Chad Conrad

American Red Cross

Muskingum Lakes Chapter