September 11, 2001 - We experienced the most horrific terrorist event in American history. I remember where I was and I am sure you do too. I was in my college dormitory at the University of Virginia as I watched the events unfold on the television screen. It was chaotic, cell towers were down and we could not call home, classes were cancelled, people were crying, there were so many unanswered questions, and things were so unclear. Yet, here we are 20 years later. America still stands. America is resilient. America still has love in her heart. America still welcomes everyone with open arms. America will not be defeated. There is so much each of us can individually learn from America - the great, the home of the brave, the land of the free, the land I love, and the land of love.

Stay encouraged on this 9/11 in 2021, 20 years later. Reflect on how far we have come. Is there still work to do, sure? Would be be satisfied if there was no work to be done? Absolutely not. We are always striving to improve, to be better, to grow, to mature, to increase wisdom, and to increase love. We have the opportunity to do that each day we wake up. Reflect on your part in that journey as we move forward from this day and into more greatness we will create together as a nation. We can do this, one day at a time, together.

May God bless the United States of America.

~Dr. Ricks