Those of us who are old enough to remember, know exactly where we were when we heard the news about a plane crashing into the first tower. We watched in horror as the second plane hit the second tower. The news of the plane crashes at the Pentagon and in a field in Pennsylvania came later.
Eyes glued to TV screens, we watched the first tower come down, followed by the second. We saw people running in terror, trying to escape the devastation. We later learned that over 3,000 lives were lost that terrible day.
That day we came together as a nation. In New York, strangers clung to each other, eyes wide in fear and horror or with tears streaming down grief stricken faces. In small towns all across America, folks gathered on street corners, looking up at a sky empty of planes and wondering how on earth something like this could happen here.
Before 9/11, we were a patriotic people. But the day after, Old Glory flew everywhere. When the body count came in, we grieved as one. We gathered in churches and prayed for the souls of the dead and for the families left behind. We said we would never, ever forget.
But we have forgotten, haven't we. Oh, we remember during the week that marks each anniversary. But during the other 51 weeks of the year, we are more divided than we have been since the Civil War. Many of us are still patriotic. But too many have forgotten what a truly marvelous nation we live in. They would rather turn it into something totally unrecognizable.
On that day of terror, the first responders ran toward the horrors, the saving of lives their first priority. Over 400 of those brave men and women died in the process. Today firemen, police, emergency medical personnel still rush to the scene in times of trouble. But more and more often, they are exposed to hostile actions from those who have absolutely no respect for their bravery and their willingness to stand between us and evil.
I don't ever want to see anything as horrible as we saw on that day. But I sure wouldn't mind seeing seeing a glimpse of the coming together of our country that existed when we all felt wounded and when we all became angry when we discovered the plot to destroy us and when we felt the pride as one nation that even though evil tried to destroy us, we did not break. Yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing that again.
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Amen, Vicki.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gorges.
DeleteSpot on, Vicki. "Some of us" still remember. The peace and quiet in the skies as all flights in our country were grounded is another thing that I won't forget. There was such a "stillness" overhead.
ReplyDeleteOzarkana...I know there are many who remember. It's just that I wish we would also remember how we all came together as one voice, rather than wasting so much time and energy sniping at one another. I live within several miles of a major airport, and the sight of the sky completely bereft of planes was almost eerie. I would hope that we learned something that day, but sometimes I'm not so sure.
DeleteI was on I 494 headed towards the airport, and work. It was stated back then America would forget over time. We always do. Now some Americans seem only interested in is turning against the man who has shown us the way to a better economy, record low unemployment, etc. Their goal to shove socialism down our throats. This is a better way. No its not. I can predict the 2020 elections, but the 2024 election is another story. America don't forget and hold on its really going to be a rough road ahead.
ReplyDeleteRob...Those who want to change America think of 9/11 as just a footnote in history. They haven't lived long enough to acquire some common sense. I agree we need to buckle up, for the road ahead will most surely be rough and rocky.
DeleteVicki, I remember 9/11 every time some well-guarded politician waves a finger at me and says I'm "xenophobic" because of my stance on illegal immigration and the government-sanctioned influx of "refugees." Troubles is, too many people have either forgotten or trivialized 9/11. Our newest crop of voters wasn't even born yet on 9/11. They see illegal immigration as "cultural enrichment." I see it as the invasion it is. The United States was a bird's nest on the ground on 9/11. Unfortunately, ...it still is...
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you, Pete. Those who have forgotten 9/11 see potential voters and 'refugees' illegally crossing our borders. I see invaders. I welcome those who come here by legal means, but if they want to break our laws to begin with, they are criminals. The politicians can scold me all they want, but until they come out from behind their well guarded and gated communities and live in the world of reality where I live, I want no truck with any of them.
DeleteOn sept 11, I was expecting a call on my birthday, but I did not recognize my daughter's voice as she screamed from NYC, think her husband had been killed in the attack as he worked three blocks from WTC. She was not a prepper until that day.
ReplyDeleteLinda...So many good people were lost that day. Including some who were on the ground when the towers went down. Sometimes it takes a disaster to make us realize that we need to be ready for most anything.
DeleteYou stated it just perfect! Thank you, Vicki..God bless you and God bless America.
ReplyDeletelynney62...Thank you for your kind words. Perfect...not so much. Just a longing to find again a time when we are able to come together without all the hate and discontent. May God bless you and yours as well.
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