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9-11: Let's Not Forget
As we arrive at the eighth anniversary of 9-11, I struggle to find the right words or the appropriate tribute. I've never been good at commemorating anniversaries and things of that nature. Nevertheless, it's only fitting to at least type a few words of tribute to those who lost their lives, as well as to the families whose suffering continues to this very day and beyond.
For me, as with so many others, 9-11 was a turning point. Whatever innocence remained, whatever lingering carefree attitude toward politics and current events all disappeared on that day. The mixture of fear, sorrow and anger I felt on that day is something I will never forget, and likely will never totally leave me. I can't even begin to imagine what the loved ones of those who perished that day must feel. My heart goes out to those poor but brave souls who find a way to press on despite the crushing sorrow in their hearts.
As far as our nation is concerned, I agree with George in that perhaps we've forgotten a little. Time has a way of doing that, but we need to resist the tendency to forget what happened and why. There's a definite feeling that our nation is more divided than it has been in a very long time. Right vs left, Left vs right...this isn't the time or space to point fingers or assign blame for the state we're in as a country. What I think we all should focus on today and for the rest of our days is something basic but essential: The terrorists attacked us on 9-11 (and previously) not because we're left or right, or because Clinton or Bush was president. They attacked us because we're AMERICANS. Plain and simple. They hate us not because we lean one way or the other, they hate us because we believe in freedom and rights. As we justly and responsibly discuss and even argue the important issues of the day, let's not forget that all we have can crumble in a few minutes, just like it did on 9-11, if we don't safeguard what we have. Let's not forget that despite our differences, we're AMERICANS. Our safety and well-being depends on that.
For me, as with so many others, 9-11 was a turning point. Whatever innocence remained, whatever lingering carefree attitude toward politics and current events all disappeared on that day. The mixture of fear, sorrow and anger I felt on that day is something I will never forget, and likely will never totally leave me. I can't even begin to imagine what the loved ones of those who perished that day must feel. My heart goes out to those poor but brave souls who find a way to press on despite the crushing sorrow in their hearts.
As far as our nation is concerned, I agree with George in that perhaps we've forgotten a little. Time has a way of doing that, but we need to resist the tendency to forget what happened and why. There's a definite feeling that our nation is more divided than it has been in a very long time. Right vs left, Left vs right...this isn't the time or space to point fingers or assign blame for the state we're in as a country. What I think we all should focus on today and for the rest of our days is something basic but essential: The terrorists attacked us on 9-11 (and previously) not because we're left or right, or because Clinton or Bush was president. They attacked us because we're AMERICANS. Plain and simple. They hate us not because we lean one way or the other, they hate us because we believe in freedom and rights. As we justly and responsibly discuss and even argue the important issues of the day, let's not forget that all we have can crumble in a few minutes, just like it did on 9-11, if we don't safeguard what we have. Let's not forget that despite our differences, we're AMERICANS. Our safety and well-being depends on that.
posted by Robert at 9:00 AM
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