Captain America #1 by John Cassaday! From the Marvel Knights series - Happy Flag Day!

This image, the cover to Captain America #1, is incredibly meaningful to me. When 9/11 happened, the world changed. And every member of NATO stood by America. In the entire peacetime of NATO, the only country that needed them was the US, and all our partners proudly supported us. In the uncertainty of the world following 9/11, we needed a hero. Captain America was perfect, and he had the perfect creative team.

The Iconic Captain America with the planes in the air, and soldiers below. Cinematic, and as only John could draw. It looks like a recruitment poster for World War 2. Beautiful!

When 9/11 happened, John Cassaday told me that the story that they were going to do with the relaunch of the Marvel Knights Captain America, that the story needed to change to reflect 9/11.

John loved Captain America, and everything that he stood for. The American dream, and helping those who could not help themselves. John was one of the kindest and most considerate people I've ever known. I'm fortunate that he was one of my best friends. John may not be with us anymore, but his legacy will live on forever. This cover is painted by John in black, white and wash tones.

More information on the story. The Published cover below.

In the days following the September 11 (2001) terrorist attacks on America, Steve Rogers is working as part of the team sifting through the rubble of the World Trade Center, searching for survivors. There are few small victories as the dust of the ruined buildings hangs heavily in the air and Steve reacts bitterly to the fanaticism that claims to do this in the name of God. Nick Fury arrives and tosses Steve a bag with his Captain America outfit and orders him to go to Kandahar. Steve responds by hurling Fury aside and pointing out that those who may still be alive need him more. As he heads home later Steve meditates on how the world has changed overnight and he stops to look at this shield and finds it shining as a beacon in the gray city. Moments later, a man who lost his daughter in the attack tries to stab an Arabic man but Captain America intervenes, explaining how the people of America have to be stronger, better now or else the terrorists will have won.

Centerville, seven months later: a typical American small town is attacked on Easter morning by the fall of a multitude of small bombs. On his way to the site, Nick Fury gives Cap a CATtag, a high-tech tracking device which will signal if the holder is killed. Cap tosses it on the floor as he leaps from the plane to confront the terrorist led by the monstrous al-Tariq. On the ground, Cap surveys the devastated town, noting there are no bodies or signs of carnage. He realizes that the townspeople are hostages and this time he is not too late to make a difference….