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MCSF Blog

Never Forget – Honor and Remember Today

It’s been 21 years since the worst terrorist attack in our Nation’s history. On this day of reflection, I hope you’ll join me in pausing for a moment of reflection and prayer for the families who lost loved ones on that horrific day.

I am reminded daily of my friend Michael Patrick LaForte, with whom I served in the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton. Mike was celebrating his 39th birthday on September 11, 2001. Instead of following his tradition and taking the day off to be with his wife and two young children, he was at work on the 104th floor of the north tower.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed that day, including Mike. And in the dark days that followed, one bright light shone through the smoke of destruction – the American spirit of unity, resilience and compassion.

That American spirit lives on today through the Scholarship Foundation, and your enduring support empowers us to honor Marines by educating their children. I am personally proud that my friend’s youngest son, Michael Patrick LaForte, Jr., is one of our scholarships recipients and is studying statistics and economics at Syracuse University, the same school his father graduated from in 1984.

Today is undoubtedly a day of deep sadness and loss. It’s also a day to be inspired by the many acts of kindness and public service that helped lift our Nation out of an incredibly difficult time and restore hope for a more prosperous future.

Semper Fidelis,

Lieutenant Colonel Ted Probert USMC (Ret.)
President and CEO
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

If You Can, You Must Scholarship Initiative

More than 14 years ago, Dakota Meyer, a U.S. Marine serving in the War in Afghanistan, risked his life to bravely save the lives of U.S. and Afghan forces in the Battle of Ganjgal. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the first living Marine in more than forty years to receive the award. Since leaving active duty, Dakota has embraced opportunities for continued service. Through his partnership with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the “If You Can, You Must” Scholarship will provide educational scholarships to the children of Marines and inspire the future leaders of America.

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