COLUMBUS, Ohio — Colonel William Butler says he was sitting in history class at Command and General Staff College in Kansas when he saw the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks.
“Physically watched the second plane hit the towers. And then at that point when we saw that, we knew we were all going to war, and it wasn’t going to be a short conflict like our previous ones,” said Butler.
Butler went on to serve one tour of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan as an Army infantry officer.
What You Need To Know
- Colonel William Butler was in college in Kansas when 9/11 happened
- Colonel Butler went on to serve one tour of duty in Iraq and two in Afghanistan
- Butler is now the Chief of Staff at Columbus’ National Veterans Memorial and Museum
- he says it’s important to remember not only those who died on 9/11 but also those who died in the ensuing conflicts
Now retired, Butler is the Chief of Staff at Columbus’ National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
The Cincinnati native says on this day, not only do we honor those men and women who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, but his comrades who died during the ensuing conflicts.
“Just remembering them and reaching out to those families so that they know that their loved ones didn’t die in vain,” said Butler.
Butler said it’s also important to keep in mind that our country’s operations in Afghanistan may have prevented another 9/11, despite hundreds of attempts by terrorist organizations to do so.
He said if it wasn’t for first responders putting their lives in harm’s way, the loss of life could have been much greater.
And for the next generation who didn’t experience 9/11 in person or a television screen, Butler said its a day to unite and give thanks.
“We are fortunate that we have a country where we’ve got so many people willing to put themselves in harm’s way for the good of others and to be part of something bigger than oneself,” said Butler.
