A Day for Remembrance

It would be unpardonable for this forum—regardless of its central theme—to allow September 11, 2011, to pass without a very special mention on our lips and a singular ache in our hearts. For generations of Americans, this is the day that will live in infamy. What we recall about that awful day ten years ago, and what we may have carried away from the those unimaginable events, are extremely private matters within each of us, and I'd never presume to encapsulate them in writing. All I can say is that I shall never forget, and I hope that is true for every American.

I'd like to share with you a video I watch frequently. For me, it provides a bridge between despair and hope. May all of you have your own bridges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq08ouOwiqQ

Peace,

Sam

It has been a reflective day today Sam, hard to believe 10 years have gone by. Trying to remember where you were, at what time? My son worked in Washington, DC in a building directly parallel to the White House. When the talk was that one of the targets was the White House, my heart was in my mouth. He told us when he was able to call that it was one scary day. Military on every street corner.

Watching the shows today only makes you realize how terrible it all was.
Thanks for sharing.

Sam and Rosalie

Little else mattered today. I watched some of the services but soon it all became just too much. At our little country church we honored our local firemen and women and the rescue squad.

My wife made a power point that if I could figure our how to put it here I would, it was nice.

Our Pastor spoke of 911. Using the various books of the Bible and those verses, Chapter 9 verse 11. Some were very moving and spoke of forgiveness.

Being so close to Fort Drum and the 10th mountain division I run into a few soldiers virtually every day. I try to make a point of going to each, shaking there hand and thanking them for their service. Many are so young and perhaps thousands of miles from home, away from their loved ones. It's not much but it is the very least I can do.

No one alive that day old enough to remember will ever forget it. Much like Pearl Harbor and JFK's assasination we will always remember where we were.

Thanks for the thread Sam. It was/is needed.

beat

A day for remembrance wherever we find ourselves, and therefore here as well. A very appropriate and thoughtful post for the day Sam.

I did not watch any of the media coverage, and knew I would not. Long ago it became clear to me that the best way I could honor those who lost their lives trying to lead an everyday American life was to do just that for them...everyday.

This morning, at the times we know our nation's history changed a decade prior, I was standing on a football field surrounded by my team of youngsters who had not quite entered the world ten years ago. As we finished warmups and prepared for The Anthem the announcement of the time came and a moment of silence was requested. As we stood behind that line of our still innocent youngsters several sights struck me. The quiet, still and serious manner of our young players. None could fully realize the total gravity but yet it was clear that all had been given some grasp; we can never get this group still and quiet yet here at this time they were. The tall flag mast beside the end of one grandstand; I had been here for nearly an hour but just now saw that the large flag isolated against the beautiful blue sky hung in the breezeless morning at half-staff. The worlds most recognizable banner hanging so motionless seemed itself to be held down by the weight of recollection. Letting my eyes shift into the stands I could see the sorrow filled eyes of the parents and friends gathered for an event otherwise filled with cheering and joy. Finally letting my eyes shift beside me at my various coaches I saw the strain on their faces from holding emotions in check. I felt my own throat tighten at that point, as the enormity of that day flashed by in an instant. I looked back down and thought about the sacrifice made and our responsibility to make it worthwhile as the thought flickered through my mind that I was glad I was wearing sunglasses.

Now, at nearly midnight, I find that in a strange way I'm glad the day has passed. Not that I wish to forget, but because the gravity of this particular date has been so heavy for us all. I've taken the flag down and I'll head for bed shortly. Tomorrow we rise again but the remembrance goes on without a special marker of a significant anniversary date. And maybe, just maybe, by living our American lives we will all continue to honor those we stopped and wept for today.

May God Bless America, and each of us as well.