What is “National Unity?”

By Preston Kelly

U-ni-ty (noun): the state of being one; oneness of mind, feeling, etc., as among a number of persons; concord, harmony or agreement.

That’s the dictionary definition of “unity,” but what does it really mean?  How do we interpret it when combined with the word “national?”

Because GOLF 9|12 is centered on a National Day of Unity, we decided that our interpretations of both the word and the day itself ought to be shared.  So here’s what we came up with:

• “National Unity” is a feeling of oneness across the entire country.  It requires partisan differences to be set aside for the purpose of understanding and forwarding the freedoms that we exercise daily.
• A “National Day of Unity” serves to help us reconnect with the possibilities that exist for us and our country when we practice our citizenship as one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

These definitions may seem obvious but then came the tricky part: Why unity? Why is it necessary for our country to come together on one particular day each year?

Here’s why:  Unity is the core principle of our citizenship.  Unity is educational, inspirational and motivational.  It does not fix blame but instead seeks solutions.  Unity rekindles faith.  And most importantly, unity gives us the courage to remember the past and engage in our future.

As Franklin Delano Roosevelt said in his first inaugural address, “We face arduous days that lie before us in the warm courage of national unity.”

It’s our hope now that, through the camaraderie found in the game of golf, an annual tournament will bring our interpretation of “national unity” to life.  So tell us, what’s your definition?

Our Story

By Preston Kelly

Since the tragic attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, many organizations have risen to support our troops, to support families affected by the tragedy and to support our freedoms.  So what’s the story behind GOLF 9|12?

Two years ago, Rich Davies, Ray Horoho and Johan Immelman received the unfortunate news that their friend had passed away in a tragic plane crash – on Sept. 11, 2009.  Coincidence?  They thought not.  As they dealt with their sadness, the three men couldn’t help but believe that there was a significance behind his death occurring on such an unforgettable day in U.S. history.

After much thought, the three men realized that they had to do something to honor both their friend and the significant day of his death.  Not one of the three could remember what each did for the past eight years on Sept. 11 – a sad fact that applies to many.  And thus, the idea of GOLF 9|12 ignited: we must not forget.

However, while Rich, Ray and Johan certainly wanted to remember that infamous day that changed our lives, they also wanted to place emphasis on the following day – Sept. 12, 2001.  How did we feel that day?  Patriotic, loyal to our country and most importantly, united as one.

It was that last adjective that inspired the mission of GOLF 9|12: unity.  Since the day following the attacks, when has our country come together as one to celebrate our freedoms that we so often take for granted?

Johan, Ray and Rich, all avid golf fans, decided that golf was the best avenue to reach (and unite) the masses.  Unlike soccer, basketball and other highly popular sports, golf is even more universal – and can be played by all types of people in all stages of life.

What better way to unite than through a national (and hopefully global!) golf tournament?  For Rich, Ray and Johan, this was an opportunity to not only unite through golf, but to support a number of charities that remember the attacks, support affected families and responders, and further our country’s freedoms.

With that, ideas became actions, supporters became leadership team members and GOLF 9|12 was launched (at Lake Nona nonetheless!)

Now here we are, a mere six months out from the tournament and we want you to join us: to remember, unite and engage.