Please share the tribute to those you would like us all to remember. Email us at staff -at- spiritofamerica -dot- net and we'll post it with a photo here.

9/11 motivated me to start Spirit of America. Like many people after 9/11, I wanted to help. Today, even though as a country we've had ups and downs, good moves and mistakes, I still feel the same way I did on 9/11: that America and the ideals for which America stands are worth working for and worth defending.

On this 9/11 anniversary I'd like to remember one friend we lost and several we still have. And, as you'll see, I hope you'll share your memories and tributes, too.

Woody Woodwell
Richard "Woody" Woodwell was killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Woody was a classmate at Dartmouth College. I have many funny memories of Woody. One is when we were on foreign study in Mexico. Late one night we were assaulted by flying roaches. Woody said, "Don't worry, they won't get up on the beds." We shared a good laugh about the absurdity of bugs somehow respecting our beds. Woody went on to a successful career in finance. On 9/11 he was working on the 89th floor of Tower 2. He is survived by his wife and 3 children. More about Woody Woodwell here. Here's Woody, long after our days in Mexico.

I'd also like to remember, or acknowledge, two friends that, happily, are still with us.

Joe Goodwin
Joe Goodwin graduated from Harvard in 2001. Then, motivated by 9/11, he joined the Army. At the time he said ''All of a sudden you realize the country needs people to protect it. And then you think, who am I to expect someone else to do something that I am young and able-bodied enough to do myself.'' He did two tours, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. A civilian now, Joe (below) returned from Afghanistan 2 months ago at the rank of Captain. More about Joe Goodwin here  and here.



Jay Smith
Sergeant First Class Jay Smith served 20 years in the US Army Special Forces out of Fort Bragg. He was based in Orgune, Afghanistan in 2002. His service there inspired the very concept of Spirit of America. After his official daily duties were complete, he found ways to brighten the lives of the village children. Because kids in the village liked playing catch he helped them get a Little League started. Jay was supported by folks back home who bought and sent to him baseball gloves, balls and bats. When I learned about Jay's work the light bulb went on. I knew other people like me would be willing to support the initiative of those on the front lines, like Jay.  More about Jay here.



It is important to remember 9/11, what happened and who we lost. I mention Joe and Jay Smith because it's also important to remember what we still have. And, to me, the best of what we have is represented in the idealism, sacrifice and service of people like Joe Goodwin and Jay Smith. Some serve in the military, some serve in other ways - large and small. It's a cause for optimism and pride.

Elliot Ackerman
Elliot Ackerman joined the Marine Corps in 2003 after earning his BA from Tufts and a Masters in law and diplomacy from The Fletcher School. As a 1st Lieutenant he was awarded the Silver Star for heroism for his role in the November 2004 battle in Fallujah. About the Silver Star he said, "I think we all go out there and know what our job is and what's expected of you. There is only one alternative; it is to do itor not do it. You have to do what needs to be done in a situation.That's what all the Marines were doing. I feel this award doesn't represent something for myself; it represents what I saw everyone doing out there." More about Elliot Ackerman here and in The Opposite of Fear.