Consider that evening of September 10th, 2001. A great evening - possibly no different then what we are having today - 20 years later. Then, everyone is relaxed, enjoying dinner, or a walk, or just being outside. Today, for us far from NYC, that same relaxed feeling could be what we're feeling but there is a difference. For me, ever since that day then, I enjoy the nice days but I watch. Depending where I am, especially in crowds and for sure on flights, I'm looking for anyone to be careful of, where are the escape routes, if I had to 'fight', what is available for me to use? So yes, I am a different man today from the one I was 20 years ago. How about you? Now, consider those who are lived in NYC, or in Washington DC or near Shanksville Pennsylvania where the events of 9/11 unfolded. Some lost loved ones and all, at a minimum, experienced the horror of terrorism that no one should have. |
But wow, things have changed in 20 years. Our unity as a country is limited at best, those born since then might be aware of 9/11 to a degree - but have no sense of 'impact' from it, and the rest of the countries around the world are more unsure of what our country stands for. So then, what should we do?
First, if you have not thought much about the events of that day, I would ask you to at least look these 4 companion blogs as a brief refresher. On Monday via our D2BU post, we shared on Flight 11
( https://fsidomr.wixsite.com/d2bu/post/1-of-7-it-was-8-46am ), that first plane that flew into the north tower that shocked us. On Tuesday via our OMF post, we shared on Flight 175 ( https://outingmnfun.weebly.com/blog/2-of-7-it-was-903am ), the second plane flying into the south tower that sickened us all. On Wednesday via our G2K post, we shared on Flight 77 ( https://good2know4us.weebly.com/across-america/3-of-7-it-was-937am ), the third plane hitting the Pentagon, clearly showing us that we were under attack. And on Thursday via our FTGA post, we shared on Flight 93 ( https://fillthegapamerica.weebly.com/blog/4-of-7-it-was-1003am ), we learned of the good fight against evil that unfolded.
Second, this cross over quick reads blog events were provided to help give you a level-set as to things you may have forgotten. Please, add to that awareness by watching any of the 9/11 shows that will unfold tonight, tomorrow or over the days ahead. Terrorism has not gone away and in some ways it has evolved and is lurking more and more in so many ways across our world. We need to be aware, to be vigilant and to be prepared to do what is needed, when and where needed.
Third, builds upon the two points above and that is to remember those who charged in to help, to fight and to then continue doing what they could in the days, weeks, months & years after 9/11. We have so many people who have pursued honorable actions that country needs - and some of you may be a part of that group. This is good and needed but we also need our younger ones to be aware, to be positively engaged in the good fight against all aspects of evil - no matter how and when those arise.
So please, talk with loved ones and friends to encourage the awareness and unity that is waning. Because we all need to use this 20th anniversary of 9/11 to be a recommitment to respect, compassion and honor. Heroism is great to applaud but we all must find a way to embrace it as well. For if we don't, we will see more and more things like this.
| Thank you for reading all of the above and for doing what you can as a parent, or a grandparent, or as a friend, to embrace being the best that you can be and for helping those that you can to join in. And for those who serve (as a member of first responders, police, firefighters, our military), thank you so much. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 |