Never Forget (or have we)

As we approach the twentieth anniversary of that horrific day when all of our lives changed forever in some way, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the lives lost. Lives (such a generic and cold term) of fellow Americans that would never have the privilege of seeing their children grow up and get married, throwing that first pitch on the opening day of the baseball season, watching their grandchildren in their first elementary band concert, or having the opportunity to enjoy retirement with the ones they love and cherish were lost in great numbers that day. Whether they were innocent bystanders, members of the greatest armed forces in the world, school crossing guards, bus drivers, taxi drivers, farmers, police officers, firefighters, or EMTs it does not matter, they all paid the ultimate sacrifice by simply being an American that horrific day.???????????????????????????????????As I reflect on that day, I can tell you exactly what I was doing, where I was, and even what I was wearing, as I am sure most of you can. We all witnessed what this country is truly about, unity. More recently, that unity has fallen by the wayside for individual beliefs and gains as fellow Americans that vowed to “Never Forget”, have most likely not forgotten but rather moved on. Not that moving on is bad, it is a natural and healthy thing to do, but is it honoring those that were lost that day? Does it fuel that desire to make a difference? I will never have that answer and I truly believe that answer is different for everyone. I do however long for September 12, the day after, when everyone was truly unified and we truly as a country, came together to assist each other. Friends, neighbors, and total strangers would stand together shoulder to shoulder and honor our flag, our fellow Americans, and each other. I would challenge every one of you to “Never Forget” but also remember the immediate days and weeks following and ask yourselves as we move on, does this (regardless of what “this” is) bring us closer together, or does “this” tear us apart.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Please join me in honoring those that lost their lives by remembering the days and weeks after.