Posted on 09/11/2004 12:49:58 PM PDT by LakeLady
9/11/04 - MY THOUGHTS
Today is the third anniversary of September 11, 2001. Much has happened in the past three years to the world and to us, individually and collectively, as Americans.
On that beautiful autumn 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 those planes that were turned into weapons of mass destruction and almost three thousand souls departed this earth in a vast cloud of misery.
The great American metropolis, internationally renowned and reviled for its affluence and 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 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.
While the pain and blood were fresh in our memories, 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; but it was 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, no matter how discordant, which is ringing out across the world 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 guarantee that it will endure. White crosses span acre upon acre in foreign lands to remind us there are fundamental truths for which a patriot's death is the price. Even if we do not agree with the sentiments which are put forth, we must defend a person's right to speak 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.
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. We all have been affected more than we could possibly have fathomed on that horrific day three years ago. When we look back now, it seems more difficult with each passing day to remember the unity and strength that came from the smoke and ashes. There is worldwide discord about follow-up actions being carried out now. Regardless of how you feel about the current situation, one thing we must make ourselves remember is to appreciate and support our military personnel who are currently fighting to prevent another tragedy such as that we experienced on September 11, 2001. Let us be forever grateful for their sacrifices. Without them, every one of us could possibly be the victim of another murderous attack. Never, never forget that the brave young men and women in our military forces are the ones who are truly responsible for our freedoms: not the press, not the politicians and not the protestors.
No matter your politics or faith, please remember those who were murdered, those heroes who died saving others and those who will not be born into this world because of September 11, 2001. Burn a candle this evening to light the way of freedom across the globe and remember those who are now risking their lives to keep that candle glowing.
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