This past week our country took time to remember the deadliest attacks on U.S. soil in recent history.  Americans across the country reflected on those tragic events nine years ago that took the lives of two thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven fellow Americans.  In 2001, terrorist attacks forced our country into a great time of turmoil; however, we watched our country slowly pull herself out of the ashes through American camaraderie.  As former President George W. Bush said on September 11, “these acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve… we responded with the best of America.”  The lessons of heroism learned from those months of restoration left a heartprint on American citizens on everyone, including agriculturists.

While many focused on the deserving heroes and rescuers working in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, the USDA was in the background working to protect our food supply.  Taking immediate action, the USDA worked to bridge any biosecurity gaps in our country’s food chain. At that time the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) increased funds for food protection by $15 million.  The country was able to proactively avoid food supply disasters with their assistance.  Further, these efforts to look out for our nation’s health prevailed in maintaining a safe overall food industry since their employment.

Branching out, many people in agriculture took a page from those heroic patriots’ book and donated their time and effort to a worthy cause. Some farmers saw it as a great time to donate to organizations working to help in the clean-up.  Others attended events to support rescue efforts, families or even agriculture, such as a concert to raise funds to assist New York City Farmers Markets that were lost in the rubble.  Farmers and those across the ranks of agriculture took the chance to increase their time volunteering by working with local 4-H clubs and FFA chapters, aiding in coaching and community service projects.  Regardless of the method, it was obvious that members of the Agriculture community took pride in assisting their country and fellow citizens.

Fortunately, that service minded attitude that took root in the wake of the 9/11 devastation is still growing as farmers continue to find ways to better the community around them.  From farm tours to simply tweeting about ways to help a struggling neighbor, the lessons of unity learned nine years ago are clearly still ingrained in our way of thinking.  Though the losses of that September day will forever etched in our memory, George W. Bush said it best when he proclaimed “this is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace.”

I was nine years old when the tragedy struck. I remember the frenzy taking place on the screen and the awestruck looks on my fifth grade teachers’ faces. I look to 9/11 as inspiration because even at a young age the unity portrayed by citizens of all walks of life was clear and motivating.  My hope for our country is to not only remember those who lost their lives on the tragic day but also remember the strength shown when the country, for a brief moment in history, stood fully united as one.  I believe our generation has a responsibility to help preserve our agrifood system to protect our national security. After all, how would the heroes have eaten the week after the tragedy if their food came from Afghanistan, Iraq or another country? And how can we recapture the unity of that day?

~Guest Post by Laura Padgett

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