Never forget

I struggled with whether or not I wanted to make a 9/11 post on Facebook today. I considered the standard “where I was when the planes hit’’ note; a heartfelt thank you for the first responders who on that day and everyday ran in when others were running out; a note of appreciation for our servicemen and women who put their lives on the line to ensure we continue to live ours in the land of the free; prayers for the families who lost loves ones and still grieve each and every day;  a simple God bless America- but none really summed it up for me.

As I’m sure many others did today, I reflected on many things related to that fateful day 10 years ago. I remembered the feelings of disbelief and fear as I heard (and saw) the news. I reflected on the fact that the one thing I desired most that morning was to get back home to my husband and daughter where we could just be together. I relived the grief and fear. However those memories were not the ones that most occupied my mind.

Over and over, rather than remembering the terror, the pain, the horror, my mind turned to the days and weeks following the attacks. The days when people flocked to churches, searching for faith, peace and answers. The days when families reconnected and refocused on the most important things in life. The days when we were united as Americans- cloaked in patriotism, goodwill and unity.  In the shadows of one of the darkest days in our country’s history, the United States blossomed and the words “proud to to be an American” resonated with me more than any other time in my life.

Now, here we are, 10 short years later.  We pledge to never forget the lives lost, the acts of amazing heroism, the day that changed the world; and as a whole, we remain true to that promise. However I wonder if we would extend that commitment to never forget the beauty of unity, service to one another, and return to faith that came in the days following what effect it might have in our world today.

I, for one, commit to making a dedicated effort to honor those lost and those who continue to sacrifice for our freedoms by striving to live the life that so many of us sought in the aftermath of terror. I will flock to my church in search of faith and peace and answers. I will focus on my family and try to keep my priorities straight. I will seek unity, exercise goodwill through service to others and display my patriotism.

I will not forget.

 

 

 

 

 

---