I think it is important to give mention and honor the loss of one of our own recently. As you may know, Fargo police officer Jason Moszer, a six-year veteran with the police force, gave his life while in the line of duty on February 10th during a standoff in north Fargo. This has not happened in Fargo in over 130 years. As I’m writing this now, his funeral is currently underway. It is a horrible, tragic loss and one that has touched the souls of many.

During times like these it is important to come together and honor the many men and women keeping us safe and putting their lives on the line for our sake. Whether they be police officers, firefighters, or members of the military – current or past – we should be thanking them and offering our support to not only them but the families of those affected by their loss.

I think I can safely say that all of us wish something like this had never happened, but I’m proud to see the state of North Dakota honoring Jason Moszer in such a way that proves we are the most patriotic state. This list is to reflect on why we are, and why we should be proud of our country.

  1. We proudly display the American flag.

Chad Kainz/Flickr We’re very proud of our flag and what it stands far, and we aren’t afraid to show it.

  1. We are strong as a community.

Chuck Simmins/Flickr Not only does the North Dakota National Guard spend hours bagging sand during floods, but many members of the community also volunteer their time to help out as well.

  1. We are home to many veterans.

The U.S. Army/Flickr This was taken in the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon, ND, with a current service member and a vet.

  1. And current service men and women.

David Axe/Flickr They are proud to serve their country! This photo shows North Dakota National Guard members serving in Iraq in 2006.

  1. Many North Dakotans have given their lives in the line of duty.

dvidshub/Flickr Through the entire country’s history, many North Dakotans have sacrificed themselves in order to protect the nation - whether it be on the battlefield or within our own borders.

  1. And we honor those lost full-heartedly.

Debra Drummond/Flickr This is at the state capitol building grounds in Bismarck. In Fargo, hundreds of people are attending Jason Mozser’s funeral, honoring him, his service, and his family, as we would do for any of those serving us who have lost their lives.

Though I’m sure all of our hearts are heavy because of this tragedy, we are still strong as a state and remain patriotic. My thoughts go out to Jason Mozser’s family and those close to him, and I thank him for all he has done for our community, and all the other men and women who have and would do the same. Thank you.

Chad Kainz/Flickr

We’re very proud of our flag and what it stands far, and we aren’t afraid to show it.

Chuck Simmins/Flickr

Not only does the North Dakota National Guard spend hours bagging sand during floods, but many members of the community also volunteer their time to help out as well.

The U.S. Army/Flickr

This was taken in the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon, ND, with a current service member and a vet.

David Axe/Flickr

They are proud to serve their country! This photo shows North Dakota National Guard members serving in Iraq in 2006.

dvidshub/Flickr

Through the entire country’s history, many North Dakotans have sacrificed themselves in order to protect the nation - whether it be on the battlefield or within our own borders.

Debra Drummond/Flickr

This is at the state capitol building grounds in Bismarck. In Fargo, hundreds of people are attending Jason Mozser’s funeral, honoring him, his service, and his family, as we would do for any of those serving us who have lost their lives.

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