I remember the morning of September 11, 2001, like it was yesterday.

The images seared into our collective memory–the planes, the towers, the devastation. My heart felt as though it was being ripped apart, not only because of the lives lost but because I knew, in some deep way, that our family life would change forever.

The events of that day would eventually lead to three members of our family–myself and two of our sons–putting on the uniform and deploying. The call to serve became personal. The responsibility of protecting the American Flag, a symbol of freedom, unity, and resilience, felt heavier than ever before.

This past week, our community came together to honor those tragic events and the heroes who emerged from the ashes at the Cache Valley Remembers | 911 Project, presented by the Major Brent Taylor Foundation. Elisa and I had the privilege of volunteering. I also had the honor of being invited to speak and share some of my original patriotic poetry. During those many moments of honoring, I was reminded of a powerful truth: when our country is struck down, we don’t just stand back–we get up, we rise in hope, and we soar in greatness!

In the words of artist Jeff Grier…

“I’ll Take It From Here.”

Not long after the September 11th terrorist attacks, Jeff Grier began sketching a tribute to American heroes he titled, “I’ll Take It From Here.” The concept was first presented to Grier by fellow Tom Hernan, a math teacher at Madison High in Ohio. While the sketch quickly found popularity throughout America, especially with military forces, neither of the two teachers could have imagined the impact it would have.

Within just a couple of years, “I’ll Take It From Her” had been seen by millions worldwide. Prints were soon hanging in military offices and fire stations across the country and printed on T-shirts worn by thousands, including yours truly. Appropriately, a print of this iconic image also hangs in the Pentagon.

“I’ll take it from here” echoes the strength and resolve of our military, who in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, lifted the American Flag and vowed to never let it fall. It’s a phrase that honors the sacrifices made by so many who responded in the days, weeks, and years that followed. It’s also a phrase that challenges us to carry the flag forward by remembering their stories, living in the unified hope of September 12, and caring for those who have served.

*Ironically, while researching and writing today’s Monday Morning Boost, I discovered Jeff Grier unexpectedly passed away in 2018 at the age of 48. 

HONORING THE CALL TO SERVE

When I think back on my own deployment, and those of our sons, I reflect on how deeply the call to serve resonated in our hearts. While our desire to serve was about defending our country, it was also about standing for the values and freedoms represented by the American Flag. It was about ensuring the next generation would live in a land where they could speak freely, worship openly, and pursue their dreams without fear. I know the same was true for the countless other service members who stepped up during that time.

Our role as volunteers at the Cache Valley Remembers project reminded me of how vital it is to continue serving, even outside of military life. This week, I witnessed families, veterans, and children come together in a shared sense of purpose. They too were saying, “I’ll take it from here.” By showing up, we honor not only those who were lost but also the legacy they left behind.

THE SPIRIT OF SEPTEMBER 12TH

If September 11 was a day of darkness, September 12 was a day of light. On that day, the country was unified. We set aside our differences and stood as one. The Flag, so often taken for granted, became a sacred symbol–a rallying point for hope and resilience.

I can’t help but think about that feeling of unity we experienced in those days. It was as though every American understood that they had a role to play, a responsibility to take on. It didn’t matter your background, your political beliefs, or your personal struggles; you were an American.

And that was enough.

That unity is something we need to hold on to. It’s easy to get lost in division and chaos in today’s world, but if we can return to the spirit of September 12, we can carry that flag of hope and resilience forward, just as we did in the days after the towers fell.

CARING FOR THOSE WHO SERVE

Finally, part of taking up the mantle of responsibility is caring for those who have borne the burden of service. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, providing resources, or simply sharing their stories, we honor their sacrifices by ensuring they are not forgotten. Every veteran has a story–stories of courage, loss, and love for country. By listening to and sharing these stories, we continue to carry the flag forward.

“I’ll Take It From Here” embodies the responsibility of caring for those who served and passing on their legacy from one generation to the next. In a way, that’s what we are all called to do. When we take up the Flag, we pass along those sacred values by ensuring the stories of 9/11 and the hope of 9/12 are shared.

As we look forward, let us each say in our own way, “I’ll take it from here.” Let us lift the flag high by remembering the heroes, caring for those who continue to serve, and living in the hope of a united America.

Thank you for standing with me as we honor those who came before us and those who will continue to carry the colors forward.

INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP 13 MINUTE CHALLENGE
Take 13 minutes today to ponder how you can more intentionally “Take It From Here.”

❤️❤️❤️

I love you, friend!

Have a great Monday! Thanks for letting me share.

Les

p.s. Don’t miss the new home right above for the 13 minute p.s. section! 

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