09/11/2026
This year marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Many of us remember exactly where we
were and what we were doing when we received the news that the twin towers and
Pentagon had been hit. This year, 9/11, lands a little bit differently for me.
My mom, Ginger Annas, passed away on April 10th of this year after a brief battle with cancer. Her death was ruled a service related death as it is believed that the type of cancer she had is related to chemical exposure at a base she was stationed at while in Afghanistan. I’ve always thought that those in our military risk their lives for our freedom by being willing to serve our country during times of war, volunteering to go into extremely dangerous situations. Situations that many of us could never imagine. I’ve come to think over the last several months that often the price they pay comes years later, long after
they are home.
This year when I look back at 9/11, I can’t help but think this event years ago has impacted my family today. This is not at all to diminish anything that the families of service members that lost their lives during the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq have gone through. Our family enjoyed some great times with my mom and for that we are all forever grateful. More importantly, we are better people for it.
As you look back on 9/11 this year, watch the videos and look at the pictures that recount the events of that day. It’s uncomfortable and hard to watch but I think we all need to. Not to be bitter, angry, or resentful but to know that there are people in our country that serve their communities, states, and nation at the expense of themselves. They don’t do this to bring attention to themselves. They do it because there is a need and many don’t think twice about saying ‘Here am I. Send me.’ May we all seek to live our lives this way and remember that men and women across our country throughout our nation's history thought less of
themselves and made the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of our nation.
“I like serving my country. It’s a source of pride and you feel like you're really doing
something to really help people.”
Ginger Annas, The Taylorsville Times, 5/27/09