Ten years after the horrific radical Muslim attack on the United States on 9/11, the nation continues to build its defenses against another attack.
The one thing that probably could overcome those precautions faster than any other is to forget what happened. So here is a unique piece of memorabilia every freedom-loving American should have in hand:
The 9-11 "Never Forget" Challenge Coin.
It evokes the memory both of what happened 10 years ago, and of those who continue to place their lives on the line to defend America: "Home of the free, because of the brave."
Just seeing the tail side engraving – empty boots, an M16 and helmet atop the Pentagon – will put a lump in your throat.
Now flip it over: Bald eagle. Statue of Liberty. Twin Towers in the background. And the words, "Never Forget."
A range of emotions. You might say ... two sides of the same coin.
As the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, the 9-11 Challenge Coin is available from the WND Superstore for the low price of only $16.95 (regularly $19.95) – but hurry, because this discount ends on September 12 ... and our supply is limited!
Why a coin to remember?
- It's a one-of-a-kind treasure which every patriotic citizen will appreciate deeply - and no one will expect.
- You don't just have it. Yes, you can display the Challenge Coin on a desk or shelf – but you can also carry it and start conversations.
- Anyone who has served or is serving in the military, or with a loved one serving, will need no explanation.
- The quality of construction is such that the Challenge Coin literally feels good to hold: precision-crafted, heavy, with beautifully polished bevels and inlays. And it comes in the traditional velvet pouch.
- Quite possibly one of the best stocking-stuffers, ever.
The Challenge Coin primarily is a U.S. military tradition that many service members will be quite familiar with. Under certain circumstances, when one Challenge Coin comes out rapping on the table, others are supposed to appear or else a round of free beverages will ensue.
But the root of the tradition is deadly serious. As the legend goes: During World War I, a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps (predecessor to the Air Force) had coins minted for all those in his squadron to commemorate their loyalty to the war effort. One of the pilots kept his in a pouch tied around his neck.
This pilot was shot down and he was captured by the Germans, who took all of his belongings and identification but missed the pouch.
Soon afterwards, he managed to escape during a bombardment, donned civilian clothes and made it to a French outpost near the front lines. But he was detained by French troops who – not finding any ID – assumed he was a German saboteur. They were about to execute the U.S. pilot when he pulled out the coin. A French soldier recognized the unit's insignia.
They delayed his execution long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him they gave him a bottle of wine.
Back at his squadron, it became tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This was accomplished through challenge in the following manner: A challenger would ask to see the medallion. If the challenged could not produce a medallion, they were required to buy a drink of choice for the member who challenged them. If the challenged member produced a medallion, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued on throughout the war and for many years after the war while surviving members of the squadron were still alive. Since then the practice has spread to other U.S. military units.
There are other versions of the origins of the story, too.
But now it's spread beyond the military.
It's a reminder that ordinary citizens need to immediately wake up and wage war to preserve the American way of life because President Obama isn't doing anything to protect it, according to the author of a brand-new book looking to prevent Islam from accomplishing by stealth and infiltration what the jetliner attacks could not do.
"Each and every one of us is a general in this war," says Pamela Geller, author of "Stop the Islamization of America: A Practical Guide to the Resistance."
"We must fight it because our leaders are not fighting it. The Obama election was the triumph of style over substance, collectivism over capitalism, statism over individualism, the moron over the informed. The stealth jihadists have cover to advance more than ever. The stealth jihadists have targeted our very way of life."
John R. Bolton, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said: "The First Amendment's free-speech guarantee is central to America's character and our fundamental liberties. Equally important, and stemming from the same philosophical roots, is the amendment's twinned protection of religious freedom and its prohibition of establishing religion.
"These pillars of liberty are under attack around the world, and even here in America. If you want to preserve the Constitution, read this book."