We Must Never Forget

Hatred and Intolerance is not a part of my world

A Time to Come Together

I remember 9/11 very well—almost like it was yesterday.  I believe most of us remember where we were when it happened.

My wife and I were watching ABC News that morning when the first report was aired along with the video. We were stunned. It was unbelievable that a plane could fly into the tower. Minutes later, when the second plane did its damage, we were both speechless. This couldn’t be happening—not here. Throughout the rest of the day we watched the ongoing reports of the events unfolding including a third plane and a fourth. For days afterward, it was the only conversation. We grieved—together. Everything else seemed so inconsequential.

We came together as a nation then, just as we did after Pearl Harbor. Why does it take something of that magnitude to make us all realize “united we stand—divided we fall”?

When politicians try to separate us into groups making us feel one is better than the other, they do more harm than good. It is easy to segregate us by focusing on the differences. By doing so, they try to fortify their own ranks to gain a following and votes. These people who want to be our country’s leaders seem to forget that first, and foremost, we are Americans. Many of our ancestors, as well as many who arrive today, came to this country because they were different or not accepted in their homelands. They came because they saw something in America that wasn’t available where they previously lived. 

• Yes, we are not a perfect nation. There is no such thing.
• And, yes, we are an evolving nation. We are only 240 years old and still have a long way to go.  

But, we will never become better as long as we focus on our differences. Strength comes through unity.

And, no matter what, I believe we are ONE nation under GOD. 

Photo: Lucas Franco

2,977

Like everyone else, I remember where I was and what I was thinking as I watched the World Trade Center’s North Tower burning. I kept on asking, “Was this a mistake ... some freak accident?” How could any plane fly into the tower? An act of terrorism was the furthest thing from my mind at that moment.

Then as my wife and I watched the second plane hit the South Tower the reality flooded over us. We sat there in our family room, holding hands, mesmerized, not being able to move away from the TV. How could this be happening?

It seemed like only minutes later that ABC News switched to Washington, DC and we hear that Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. And then Flight 93 crashes in Shanksville, PA. I remember thinking, “My God, what next?

2,977 were killed and thousands more (family and friends) had a piece of them also die that day. These numbers do not take into account the thousands of firefighters, police officers and medical staff that participated in the rescue.  But every one of us was affected and we will never forget what happened.

Our view of reality changed that day. It was hard for any of us to believe that there are certain people in this world that want to kill innocent men, women and children (non-combatants) to further their cause.

“9/11” became a rallying cry ... like “Pearl Harbor” to those in the 1940s. “9/11” is a way for all Americans to join together for a common cause and belief. And like Pearl Harbor, as a result of this atrocity, our nation is stronger.

Today is one of those days where the entire nation comes together in thought and prayer. No matter where we are in the world I am certain that we will all will pause and remember.

World Trade Center Collage

by Danny Hahlbohm

               by Danny Hahlbohm

We must never forget!