Today, I write to you with a heavy heart, reflecting on the events of September 11, 2001, which forever changed the landscape of the United States.
I remember the heartache, anger, and sorrow watching the evening news with my children on Sept. 11, 2001, knowing their world would never be the same. But I’m also reminded of the unity and strength that emerged in the aftermath of 9/11.
Americans stood together, undeterred by our differences, bound by our shared grief, and driven by an unwavering resolve to heal and rebuild. We demonstrated the power of unity, compassion, and resilience that define us as Americans.
Today, we have strayed from that unity. Our nation, so resilient in times of crisis, appears more divided than ever. Political affiliations, ideological differences, and social conflicts have created rifts that threaten the fabric of our great nation.
As I look back on my career as a diplomat in Pakistan, South Korea, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Iraq, I remember the unity of those of us serving with compassion, dedication, and patriotism. Regardless of our differences, we were truly one nation, indivisible. I miss that.
We must reaffirm that we do not need national tragedy to unite us. We can draw from our shared history, values, and dreams to bridge these divides. We can foster conversations that are inclusive and respectful, even amidst disagreement.
We can celebrate our diversity, knowing it strengthens rather than weakens us.
As your congressional candidate in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, I am committed to driving this change. I strive to cultivate an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and unity because that’s what America deserves.
Let us remember 9/11 not just as a day of immense loss but as a reminder of our capacity for unity and resilience.
In unity,
Bob Lorinser
