“This is an iconic moment for our generation” states Matthew Segal, co-founder and President of OUR TIME (ourtime.org), a national membership organization dedicated to standing up for the interests of more than 50 million Americans under 30
This morning millions of young Americans fell asleep or woke up to the news that the world’s most infamous man, Osama bin Laden, was killed by the U.S. Military-almost ten years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Young students, workers, and veterans were among the first to rush to the White House to express a flurry of proud emotions as well as their congratulations to President Obama and the Military for the most notable achievement to date in fighting terrorism and Al Qaeda.
“This is an iconic moment for young Americans,” said Matthew Segal, co-founder and President of OUR TIME. “The wars since September 11th define our generation-we grew up with them, we will pay the heavy cost of them, we are the majority of people who serve in them, and we have been injured or killed in them. Osama bin Laden was the symbol for American hatred, the symbol for why we fight, and the anathema to liberty and justice. We will never forget this day.”
In his address to the American people, President Obama noted: “We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.”
The current generation of young Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice. The average age for military enlistment is 22, the average age of soldiers killed in Afghanistan is 23. The cost of the war in Iraq exceeds 900 billion dollars. “As President Obama stated, our generation shoulders the ‘heaviest share of the burden’,” said Matthew Segal. We hope our service and sacrifice will result in peace for future generations of young Americans.”