September 11, 2001.
It is the anniversary of the most frightening day in modern history.
It rings in our memories as the media reminds us of memorials to the fallen, presents stories of the survivors, and throws blame this way and that.
Election year "weaponry" is thrown around like fiery javelins, aiming for the kill at political agendas... but it has missed its intended mark. The poison arrows are actually piercing the sacred memory of the tragic day, cursing the heroes, the victims, and the children (and most adults) of our society who lost their childlike belief that we, as Americans, are safe.
Never again can they believe that people are good and that we (or the government) can protect them. They have learned that evil has no face, and can wreak havoc by the element of surprise. More disturbingly, the magnitude of evil can never again be measured by crime rates or distaste to common decency.
Evil now has an agenda.
Opinions and accusations rage -- did the government know the attack was coming? When did they know? What really hit the Pentagon? Was Flight 93 actually shot down over Shanksville, PA? Did we really go to war in Iraq to fight "terrorism?" Whose war is it, anyway?
Some of these questions will never be answered because we have a government bent on concealing information and rewriting events to dis-inform the people. In the bigger picture, that is the way of a government. In the smaller picture, that simply grates on my sensibilities.
But 9-11 will always stand as a tragic loss of mothers and fathers and sons and daughters and friends and rescue workers, and a story of surviving the pain and loneliness of grief endured by those who loved them and those who needed them.
It is not only about political or religious lobbing of the the ball of power and control. It is about a nation shaken to its core by unthinkable scare tactics, a nation bound together through the grief of horrendous loss coupled with the pride and patriotism inherent in the USA, OUR USA. It is about new beginnings, a changed outlook on life, and the struggle for normalcy amidst a world that harbors tyrants who would kill for a cause.
I will never forget that shocking day. Many blessings to the families who are rebuilding their lives. May the memories of their loved ones bring them pride. May they not be buried under the weight of blame or unforgiveness so that they can live full lives and enjoy the great fruits of America.
Max
Around Rochester NY for 9-11
Operation Patriot at Ontario Beach Park "Honoring Those Who Ensure Our Freedom" Operation Patriot begins with an 80-mile motorcycle / classic & sports car ride...
SEE THE WEBSITE! http://www.operationpatriot.org/
9/11 National Remembrance Flag pictures from around our area http://www.911remembranceflag.com/photos.phtml
September 11 Pictures Worth Seeing http://www.september11news.com/
