Honor Service Members for Sacrifices Made in Aftermath of Sept. 11 with Your Vote Through Honor Vote Program

On a clear, peaceful, September morning 23 years ago, our world and our lives as we knew them changed forever in only moments. Terrorists struck our country at home on American soil, claiming 2,977 innocent lives in New York City, Washington DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Rising from the ashes of burnt and collapsed buildings and the immense grief that still feels all too familiar to many, Americans united and rallied around victims, their families, and our military members. Reflecting on some of the darkest days in our history is a reminder every year that we must never forget the overwhelming sense of pride we felt in our service members. Once again, they answered the call, protecting us from evil and defending our nation’s founding principles.

These courageous patriots — including 28,000 Tennesseans — went overseas, putting themselves in harm’s way, thousands of miles from their homes and their loved ones during the War on Terror. We will always be grateful for their selfless service, and this fall, we have two opportunities to continue expressing our gratitude by honoring them.

The first is for registered voters to cast a ballot during early voting or on Election Day. Before heading to polling locations to participate in the Nov. 5 State and Federal Election, voters should also sign up for the Secretary of State’s Honor Vote program. Honor Vote provides an opportunity to dedicate a vote in honor of those who have fought and continue fighting for our rights — including our right to vote.

Registered Tennessee voters can sign up for Honor Vote through our website, and they will receive an official button to wear to polling locations when casting a ballot. When Tennesseans vote, they can dedicate their vote in honor of a service member or veteran of their choice. Participants are also encouraged to share their vote dedication on individual social media platforms using #GoVoteTN. This small gesture can have a big impact on a service member or veteran in your life.

There is no more patriotic way to thank those who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedoms and rights than exercising your right to vote. Before you vote, remember to sign up for the Secretary of State’s Honor Vote program — a great way to ensure we never forget those who served in the aftermath of September 11 and during our 248 years in existence as the greatest nation our world has ever seen.