September 11th is a day to remember. Actor Chris Pratt also says it is a day to thank a veteran.
Pratt posted a video to Facebook on Friday asking people to post a video to their social accounts in which they thank a veteran.
“In the face of unexpected violence, most of us freeze,” Pratt posted to Facebook. “We crumble. We pray. We cry. But a select few stand up, join up and take the fight to the enemy, in the name of justice.”
He continued:
“This September 11th I am doing something I invite all of you to do as well. I’m posting a video to #ThankAVeteran.”
Pratt thanked veteran Mike Day, a former Navy SEAL that survived an Iraqi raid in which he was shot 27 times and suffered a brain injury. Later this year, Day is completing in the Kona Ironman Championships to raise money for traumatic brain injury therapy at the Carrick Brain Center located in Dallas, Texas.
“My life’s mission now [is] not about me,” Day wrote on his Crowdrise fundraising page. “Rather, it is to care for and lead my wounded brothers and sisters.”
Pratt is donating to the fundraiser Day has set up to help treat wounded veterans and is encouraging others to do the same.
“No matter where you land politically in terms of our [country’s] involvement in foreign affairs, or the two wars we’ve been in post 9/11, there is no doubting the courage and valor men like Mike Day have shown,” Pratt posted.
“In America we may have our opinions, we don’t always agree and our voices are loud. But 14 years ago we were reminded that deep down we are not divided, we are united and strong. We’ve got each other’s backs, despite our differences and will continue to as we move forward.”
Within hours, Pratt’s video had over 1.3 million views on Facebook as well as over 80,000 shares of the post.
Social media users followed Pratt’s lead and hashtagged #ThankAVeteran to social media. Here are some of the responses.
#thankaveteran Staff Sgt. Eddie Frieling. A video posted by Robert. (@elvisknight86) on Sep 11, 2015 at 1:37pm PDT
A photo posted by Jenna (@hotpinkjedi) on Sep 11, 2015 at 9:53am PDT
“Thank you Chris Pratt for being the white light in the darkness that can be Hollywood,” Danae Morris commented to Facebook.
“We took a veteran out for dinner in memory of my father! My father was not a soldier but always taught us to respect and honor what our soldiers have done for us in the past and in the present. #ThankAVeteran,” Alex Emblen also commented on Pratt’s Facebook post.
“As a veteran myself, I really appreciate the effort you put into recognizing the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform,” Jesse Poores Jr. commented. “ It really is a breath of fresh air for someone with your notoriety to give a shout out to the troops.”
We would like to remember 911 by thanking this soldier. His work at Stay In Step Spinal Cord Injury Recovery Center. is nothing short of amazing! #ThankAVeteran Chris Pratt
Posted by Black Dagger Military Hunt Club Inc on Friday, September 11, 2015
#ThankAVeteran @prattprattpratt @kentwells5 http://t.co/5LdkF6G3VW Thank you Artist Hank Brake Producers Kent Wells Ex-Producer BuddySpenser
— Buddy Spenser (@Toursecuritynet) September 11, 2015
@prattprattpratt the only picture I’ve gotten to take with my brother in his uniform #ThankAVeteran #proudsis pic.twitter.com/PwWxSahjM5 — Danell (@DanellD) September 11, 2015
As a veteran and a military family our lives changed this day. #NeverForget911 #ThankaVeteran pic.twitter.com/bfZyyhXDDA
— ?SciFiSusie? (@iamclaimed) September 11, 2015
Remembering those who strapped their boots after #9/11 to defend and protect us #ThankAVeteran #Gratitude pic.twitter.com/G2xZxenLXd — SassenachLass45 (@Kaci920) September 11, 2015
#ThankAVeteran Thank you John Emit Pittman. You were the bravest man I ever had the chance to meet, and I’m honored to call you Granddaddy.
— Hailey Pittman (@therealhaileyp) September 11, 2015
From the smallest deed to the highest rank, our armed forces have protected this incomparable nation. #ThankAVeteran ?? — Kara Anderson (@karalindsey99) September 11, 2015
#911NeverForget #ThankAVeteran ????? pic.twitter.com/2CUCN6VViU
— Wonder Woman (@FeliciaKCCO) September 11, 2015
To all the women and men in the U.S. Military. Thank you for all that you do for us. #Thankaveteran #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/udXCgdaME1 — Jennifer Cox (@CoxOk1981) September 11, 2015
@prattprattpratt Thank you for supporting our troops. I’m lucky to have a veteran in my family. #ThankAVeteran pic.twitter.com/cGhmzJeRDt
— Cathy Moore (@CatMoore2471) September 11, 2015
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