9/11 - My Thoughts

Self | 9.11.03 | LakeLady

[LakeLady]

I wrote this, and posted it on Free Republic six years ago today to express my thoughts about the effect of September 11, 2001, two years later. How different our nation and the world are today from six years ago. This quickly, some people have chosen to revisit, revise and regard that infamous day as something other than what is was...horror, murder and terror. I'm afraid too many are forgetting or ignoring the truth and the impact that day has had; it will be to our most terrible detriment if we do. Perhaps it's time to pull it out of the archives, dust it off and remember...always.

9/11/03 - MY THOUGHTS

Today is the second anniversary of September 11, 2001. Much has happened in the past two years to the world and to us individually and collectively as Americans.

On that day we were attacked and we trembled. We were blinded by our fear and we cried out. We rose up from the smoke and rubble and responded with the strength of unity. The towers crumbled, the Pentagon was in flames and Flight 93 was forced to the earth with the words, "Let's Roll!". There were no survivors on that flight and more than three thousand souls departed this earth in a vast cloud of fire and smoke that day.

While the pain and blood were fresh in our minds we were cocooned in righteousness and our country cried out in a long needed resurgence of patriotism. It was a vociferous symphony, sweet and strong, performed against a screaming chorus of protestations by those who wondered how America was to blame for this murderous act. We must remember that this melody, which is ringing out across the world, no matter how discordant, is the song of freedom. Every voice has a right to be heard. Our country was founded by those seeking that freedom and the blood of patriots has turned battlefields red to ensure that it will endure. White crosses span acres in foreign lands to remind us that there are fundamental truths for which a patriot's death is the price. It will never make the sentiments they express correct, but we must not deny their right to speak their feelings.

There has been a renewal of faith in many who had become jaded and forgetful of their blessings, while faithful others have turned their hearts from God in anger, fear and doubt.

The great American metropolis, internationally renowned and reviled for its affluence and, some say, cold hearted, singular approach to life, proved the world wrong. Those living in that bleak, cement encased environ came forward without hesitation to comfort, nurture and aid their fellow man. They willingly offered their love, courage, strength and compassion to one another and when called upon they gave more. For some, running into Hell brought everlasting peace in Heaven.

These true heroes were mothers, fathers, sons and daughters whose names and faces will never be familiar to the masses. They were intimately known only by the their families and friends whose memories will keep their souls alive. For us, however, their sacrifices are immeasurable and unforgettable. It is a debt we can never repay. Their selfless actions will be remembered always by those who loved them and by those who never knew them.

Though we the living may now be fractured over petty differences regarding politics, culture, religion and symbolism, let us not forget that there are still fundamental truths for which we must fight. These truths are our birthright and our responsibility.

No matter your politics or faith, please remember those who were murdered, those who were heroes and died saving others, and those who will not be born into this world because of September 11, 2001. Proudly fly your flag today and everyday, and burn a candle this evening to light the way of freedom across the globe; and please, always remember those who are now risking their lives to keep that candle glowing.

[Jeff Head]

Thank you LakeLade, for that timely reminder.

Bush took us to war after 911 and freed in excess of 60 million people in the process.

Some may disagree with some of the ways he carried out the war, and certainly with some of his other policies.

But what cannot be denied is that he had terrorists fully engaged on foreign soil and their leaders hiding in holes in the ground. What also cannot be denied is that we did not suffer another major attack on US soil.

In addition, though they have a long way to go...and though the Taliban still is fighting...those who are free of the Taliban and of Saddam Hussein are immeasurably better of than they were under those regimes.

...and the prospect for future freedom for them, and peace fo us is bolstered.

Now we have a President (and many of those who elected him) who seems absolutely intent on stepping back from all of that, and in going back to a pre-911 mentality that stands us all into greater danger as a result.

THE ATTACK ON AMERICA MEMORIAL SITE
ALWAYS REMEMBER - NEVER FORGET!

[Kaslin]

What a great post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us

[petercooper]

bttt

[LakeLady]

Thank you, Jeff Head. I think your thoughts emphasize what needs to be said MUCH more succinctly than this ol’ mouth of the south was able to do!!!!! I appreciate your kind thought.

[LakeLady]

Thank you, Kaslin. I appreciate it very much. I think our new motto should be, “Let’s KEEP ON rolling!!” as I fear we are forgetting so quickly. I’m afraid too many would think it’s a rock song title rather than a reminder.