The 9/11 attacks sparked unity across our nation, inspiring a generation of men and women to step up and join the U.S. military. Ordinary Americans from different backgrounds, religions, and political ideologies were called to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
What followed over the next 25 years were frequent deployments, dangerous assignments, and, in many cases, life-altering consequences for those who volunteered to serve – fewer than 1% of Americans – and their families. For many, service didn’t end after the military; it took a new form, driven by the same duty to preserve our American way of life.
Today, the post-9/11 generation is made up of entrepreneurs, astronauts, CEOs, lawmakers, first responders, and educators who may have taken off the uniform, yet have continued to find ways to give back to their fellow citizens. Veterans and their families are assets. They are trailblazers in industry, business, and humanitarian work. This altruistic spirit has greatly contributed to our democracy and our communities both home and abroad.
As a former Army officer and a veteran advocate, we have seen character strengths like integrity, honor, duty, and sacrifice on display daily in places like The Johnson and Johnson Company and other leading American companies like Boeing. We have witnessed that when veterans enter a new workplace or join a community to be of service, people watch and emulate.
Due to the generosity of the American public, tens of thousands of nonprofits have been built to honor and empower veterans and their families. Many have been led by veterans, family members, and survivors. Among them are the nearly 20 organizations in the George W. Bush Institute’s Veteran Wellness Alliance, which provides a coordinated network of care for veterans – one that makes mental and brain health programs less cumbersome, more accessible, and more impactful.
One of the organizations in the alliance is the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), which empowers service members and veterans to mentor young people across the United States with 1stLt Travis Manion’s mantra, “if not me, then who?” Alex serves as a board member and was an early supporter of the foundation, which aims to transform our communities to build a better tomorrow for our current and future generations.
Through the organization’s “Character Does Matter” and “Service Platoons” programming, young Americans are taught how to give back and promote others, to manage volunteer projects, to work as a team, and to find common ground with fellow teammates, neighbors, and friends. The foundation helps empower veterans to lead by example by engaging in respectful dialogue to foster civil discourse and partner with fellow public servants who support our communities.
Among these veterans are firefighters, police officers, teachers, nurses, nongovernmental organization leaders, and front-line workers. Together, they help pave the way to greater unity and cohesion as a nation.
But remarkable veterans and family members show up in many spaces.
A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of spending time with 32 diverse leaders from various sectors across the country during the Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. More than 315 alumni have joined this close-knit network of changemakers committed to preserving America’s values and principled leadership and strengthening purpose, connection, and enhancing opportunities for veterans and their families. Listening to their stories is both motivating and a great way to honor their service to our country.
Their example makes us optimistic about the next generation of veteran leaders
Since 9/11, these leaders have paved the way for public-private partnerships and innovation through higher education opportunities, building awareness and resources around caregiving in the United States, and advancing modern medicine and interventions to support the visible and invisible wounds of war. Veterans are also increasingly entering politics, with a historic surge in women veterans seeking federal office and a 47% jump in veterans running for Congress since 2024, according to the nonprofit With Honor.
The National Conference on Citizenship reports that veterans are more likely than their civilian counterparts to vote, volunteer, and contribute to the democratic process – by building confidence in our elections as poll workers or contacting public officials to effect change in their communities, according to its Veterans Civic Health Index.
We are optimistic about the next generation of veteran leaders, modeling how to serve, endure, and lead. More Americans should follow these veterans’ examples and take steps to engage with each other in their communities. They can do this by getting involved in organizations like the Travis Manion Foundation or many others that have community service chapters across the country.
According to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, roughly one-third of Americans living today either weren’t born or weren’t old enough to remember the attacks at the Twin Towers and the Pentagon and what happened in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. About 60% of current 18- to 24-year-olds say they learned about the attacks from class or schoolwork, data from Pew Research shows.
We must make sure that today’s young people and future generations remember the sacrifices made and continue to be inspired by those who’ve answered the call.
