America Remembers September 11, 2001~~~~~~Live Thread

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[Dog]

Today marks the second anniversary of the day America came under attack. Events are planned at the Ground Zero, White House, Arliington and Shanksville.

[Eowyn-of-Rohan]

The problem I had, Peach, was that people were spewing generalizations about "Dems" with such hatred, and utter blame for all the problems in our country, for 9-11, etc. Now a rational mind knows people and things, causes and effects, are not so black and white. There is no party or person 100% perfect or 100% flawed. I believe that liberalism has been taken too far in many areas of our culture and political system. But to completely eradicate everything considered "liberal" (I mistrust that label) would be a huge mistake.

Also--the poster to whom you responded said something to the effect that no dems are thinking or speaking for themselves--but spewing a party line or, as I said in my earlier post, a "borg-like mentality". I remember during the Clinton administration, the Democrats were saying the same thing about the Republicans, and in fact it did seem true. Perhaps this is de rigeur for the "underdog" party of any particular time period?

Anyway, I too loved how people seemed to pull together 2 years ago... less snarling, more respect... and focus on what we have in common rather than what separates us. I just hoped the words of hate and blame could be toned down on this thread today. That is why I wrote--though I didn't mean to single you out.

[lawgirl]

Thanks for sharing those great photos. It strikes me that it's a beautiful, clear day again like it was two years ago. Are they going to be putting the lights where the towers were again this year?

[Peach]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful post. I wasn't feeling singled out as I disagreed that politics did not have a place on the thread. However, out of respect for you and the timing, I think most Freepers held off making political calculations during the ceremony of the morning.

I agree with a lot of what you've written, but find fault with the Democrat party that I've yet to hear one elected Democrat come forward to say they either support President Bush or at least say that they think the remarks made at the debate were over the line (which they were).

Republicans in the past presidential debates have called their opponent "my opponent". They have not called them gang leaders or miserable failures or connected them with the Confederate flag. Yet during this time of war, we do not have one Democrat condemning that kind of language.

Republicans do, on the other hand, often speak out against other Republicans. We call them Rinos here.

Regardless, I too was heartened after 9/11 when the country pulled together. That stopped very shortly after 9/11 and it's a shame.

Thank you so much again for writing as you did. Regards

Republicans

[Neenah]

Here are the pictures of TED and BARBARA OLSON's cottage in Ellison Bay. Door County, Wis.

Sorry about them not posting in post # 328.

Thanks to my friend who put these up on his site, so I can share them with everyone.

Tribute at the Olson mailbox

The Olson cottage

The road to the Olsen cottage

These pictures were taken just days after 9-11 , 2001

___________________________________

Here's 2 links ... audio 9/11/01 of President Bush at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana ... and President Bush's address to the nation:

http://eagleniner.homestead.com/files/bush_freedom.mp3

http://eagleniner.homestead.com/files/bush_address.mp3

Below, is a favorite song of mine. Right after this happened, within the day, a Milwaukee radio station, WISN, made this tribute in song. Please listen to it. To me...this just sums it all up. When I first heard this..the warm tears just flowed down my cheeks..for everyone.

Sarah McLachlan - Angel (with 911 tribute)

http://eagleniner.homestead.com/files/angel_911.mp3

We miss you, Barbara....we miss you Moms, Dads, little kids, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, sweethearts, friends...You take comfort in the arms of God..we are left to mourn..we are left to defend. We will not fail.

[maica]

I feel isolated from the events of today because I'm at work even though I'm right across the street from Ground Zero.

You honor the lives of all who were killed two years ago by going to work today. Our enemies took aim at those who were simply at work on that other blue-skied cloudless September day. We must always remember that those in planes, the Pentagon or NYC were 'just dong their job.'

We should always commemorate this day by remembering that those participants in America's way of life were working!

[barker]

.....while others hurled themselves into the air to avoid the fires,.....

This is the part that rips my heart apart and has hardened it like steel when it comes to terrorism. That these people, who had done nothing, should have been put in such position.

[CELTICGAEL (Celt)]

I invite you to visit if you like the following pages from my web site. I hope you enjoy your visit.


In Memory

http://celticgael.tripod.com/inspired_by_angels-in_memory_of_september_11,_2001. htm

For our troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom

http://celticgael.tripod.com/inspired_by_angels-salute_to_the_soldiers_of_operat ion_iraqi_freedom1.htm

A Message to the Terrorists

http://celticgael.tripod.com/inspired_by_angels-to_all_terrorists.htm

God Bless America and those who fight for our freedom!

[Bob Ireland]

re: your #250:
Top form!

FReegards

[Neenah]

OOps...This will be easier for you...

AF Base/Pres. Bush

Pres. Bush address

Sarah McLachlan - Angel (with 911 tribute)

[CELTICGAEL (Celt)]

Here are the links again, I have no clue why they did not work. Sorry.

http://celticgael.tripod.com/inspired_by_angels-in_memory_of_september_11,_2001.htm

http://celticgael.tripod.com/inspired_by_angels-to_all_terrorists.htm

http://celticgael.tripod.com/inspired_by_angels-salute_to_the_soldiers_of_operation_iraqi_freedom1.htm

[EternalVigilance]

Two years ago, to the day and year
The truth about Islam became abundantly clear
To all with eyes and ears

EV

[stanz]

I didn't think of it that way. I wanted to take part in the ceremony across the street. When I came up out of the subway this morning, I could hear the voices of the children reading the names of those lost on 9/11. Having to report to the office seemed meaningless and shallow. At least my daughter and I watched the special on PBS last night. We cried together...again.

Last night, there was a full moon over the New York skyline. Not far from it was the pale pink shimmer of Mars. Farther downtown were the rays of light where the towers stood. It was a beautiful clear night. I can't help but think that somewhere out there are more than 3000 other points of light too far away to be seen, but too precious to be forgotten. I believe they are at peace.

[JustPiper]

Thanx Dog! What I want to share is a bit different for this day and many may see it as the "Other Side" peculiar, but many of us believe in God's Angels as his emmisaries so I want to share this unusual take from Angelspeake, a new book, "Postscripts from the Other Side." This is being written now by Barbara Mark & Trudy Griswold and it is inspiring and for me, well I needed alot of kleenex! This is a must read I believe everyone can get behind -g-.

Here is an excerpt from Father Mychal F. Judge, a Franciscan Friar who died on 9-11-01 while giving last rites to a fallen fireman.

Mychal F. Judge -- d. 2001

Dear Father Mychal, What really happened that horrible day, September 11, 2001, from your point of view?

My dear ladies,
It was the most wonderful day you can imagine. Love connected us all. Love came down from the heavens and the souls of the dearly departed rose from their bodies to meet that love and to join hands. In a special instant everyone connected in a way that has never happened before.

Everything about that day was fitting and proper. It was like heaven and earth came together in one moment and all the world was united in care, concern, and love. The ones leaving and the angels coming in their magnificent glory, and prayers uniting them with those who were left, was beyond description. Never in the history of the world has there ever been a more magnificent event.

Here is what happened as it happened.

You will notice that the ones who were able to get through on their cell phones all called people they loved! Every one of them had accepted they were going to die, but their first thought was not of fear for themselves, but to reach out to say goodbye and I love you. By that action alone, you know that there was peace in their hearts just before they died because they were in a state of love.

There was no anger. There was actually a great deal of camaraderie. As people jumped from the towers they often took that first step by holding hands with a friend or co-worker. They offered themselves up to the unknown and leaped to their fate. And I want each and every one of you to know this, for it the most important thing I can tell you. As each person took their first step into the unknown, their soul simultaneously left their body. They did not know the agony of the fall, or the pain of impact. They were with God and His angels from that first step.

As that is true, so is it true that there was no pain for any of the victims. Each one, as a willing sacrifice to God, gave his or her pain to help of all survivors. What a wonderful gift! Much was done on a soul level that is beyond human understanding, but the rest was in God's hands and God, in his mercy, took each soul into his lap and praised it for the sacrifice it made for the good of mankind.

Yes, the good of mankind. Did you notice how each person, struck down in his prime, was a happy person who had much love in his or her life? Did you notice that they were successful, busy, healthy, and had families to mourn them? Did you notice that they were accompanied by care and concern from all over the world? And did you notice that not just Americans were involved in the sacrifice, but 67 other countries? This was not an American event, this was a world event. The mere fact that it happened in the World Trade Center assured that truth and as others write the history books, the real meaning of that will become more apparent. For the fall of the World Trade Center, did not just take lives, it began a whole new era of understanding for every country in the world. It may not be apparent today, but it certainly will be seen as such in later years.

Did you notice that all types of people were drawn to what became known as Ground Zero. Even though quick means of transportation-airplanes-were unavailable, it did not stop those who were called to help. Thousands of people, within hours of the event, got in their cars, jumped on buses, or even walked to the site to begin to help.

Television did not begin to show what happened afterward. People came from all over New York City to help. They brought their hands to help the survivors, and then ended up helping the store owners and people who were made homeless in the area of the event. People cooked who had never cooked. People of means swept dust. Beds were needed, children were helped, and mourners were comforted.

People came from all over the world to help. Canadians and Nova Scotians came over the borders in spite of security. Newfoundlanders came by boat, as well as many from our eastern shore. Today it reminds me of the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind, where the characters were drawn to Devil's Tower and they didn't know why. They just had to go. Their hearts led them, not their minds.

I am ahead of myself. I want to tell you about the moments of impact because it was the best time of all. Trust me on this. I was down below giving Last Rites to one of my fireman friends, when I passed over. Now, because I am no longer limited by barriers of time or space, can relive the moment of impact myself. It does not matter if the impact was at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, or a field in Pennsylvania, it all happened the same way.

Just before impact, the soul left our bodes. Like the connection left the phones, so did our soul leave our body. We were immediately cut off from life in a totally fearless and painless way. As our soul left, there was a moment when our focus was shifted to angels, saints, and loved ones who had gathered to help us cross. There were mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, and friends who immediately surrounded us in love and to welcome us into our new awareness. Every one of us had people there to welcome us. Every soul! I was briefly surprised that there were so many and that some of the ones I was happiest to see were ones I did not know in this life. They were dear ones who did not choose to be born at this time, and thus were helping me from that side. That was especially wonderful when I connected with them. It was the grandest reunion you can imagine!

My message for those of you who were left with the grief, financial decisions, explanations, and fears, is to be happy for us. And even though you know that, and want us to be happy, we understand that because you cannot see us, you feel abandoned and alone. You are not. We are just a breath away from you. Ask for us to come to you when times are difficult. Just say, "Honey, are you there? I love you and miss you and need your comfort right now." We will be there even before you draw in your breath to say the first word! If you don't think you feel us now, you will. Just ask us to come and believe we will. For we do. Often it will be just a shiver up your arm or a tingle on your head or hair. If you hear a song that you like or see something you know would have pleased us, we are there. If you even think of us, it is us giving you the memory.

Now this following advice is from us all. So many of you are not making decisions because you don't know what we would want. Just make your decisions on what YOU want to do. If you need to sell cars or property, sell them! If you need to move, do it. If you want to get married again, by all means do it! Many times we are the ones who are introducing you to your new opportunity or love. We are still helping you find happiness and love even though we are not physically present. We will not be upset or mad. Anger and fear just aren't part of our understanding any more. We just love you and respect you and are helping you.

I want to thank Barbara and Trudy for writing this book. The fact that two people within one hour suggested me as a possible source of information for them, certainly says something for our eagerness to communicate with those who are still on earth-- in the fray so to speak.

Keep praying. Prayers are needed for the world, for us on this side, and for those who still remain to do God's work on your side.

May you live in the peace we are resting in.
Dominus Vobiscum
Mike

Mychal's Prayer

Dear God,
Lord, take me where You want me to go;
Let me meet who You want me to meet;
Tell me what You want me to say, and
Keep me out of Your way.
Amen

Postscript from Angelspeake.
You are free to pass this on to anyone you think might be helped by this beautiful message. Please, however, pass on the entire message along with the loving spirit of its contents. May the angels bless all the survivors of 9-11, and help the world know peace.

[JustPiper]

This look like the Road to Heaven -smiles- which is so appropriate for Barbara and their love!

[JustPiper]

I read today the common denominator for people at WTC etal. was they called loved ones and therefore all share this love now.

[maica]

Thanks a million for posting your photos - and for going to the memorial. Freepers are the best.

[spookycc]

Thanks so much for the pix, Chick.

[Coleus]

`

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Wow, it must be really busy if you couldn't get in. The person who put it together did an awesome job. I don't know how they do it. It will be worth your time to try again.

FRegards FRiend.

[MEG33]

I think we've overloaded the site with hits!