Today Is 9/11

As I sit here remembering that day, I find it hard to believe that it has been 8 years ago since the terrorist attacks on our country. I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing on that morning as if it were yesterday. I can still remember the emotions that washed over my family as we sat there in the living room in stunned silence as we listened to the live coverage on the radio and began reading the reports on the online news sites. Maybe that’s how it is for you too; memories still very real.

And maybe it’s good that those memories are still so fresh in our minds. Because if they are, they will keep many related issues that are vitally important at the forefront of our thoughts. Things such as love of our country and fellow man; respect and honor for our national and local heroes, the EMT’s, police force and firefighters and the servicemen and women of our military. Things such as our freedoms in America that we sometimes take for granted. But also things such as the brevity of life and the fact that no one is guaranteed tomorrow. Which in turn makes us think about eternity and where we will spend it, and about living our lives so as to make certain that we always aim for doing what’s right in the eyes of God.

I know that some have forgotten the horrors of that day. It’s been too long ago. It no longer seems relevant to what’s happening today. To those who have that mindset, I implore you to not forget. It is relevant today. It is what we as a nation are still fighting for. Troops are still dying in this conflict. The war is not over. We must continue to fight the forces that would try to destroy the freedoms that we enjoy in the United States of America; forces both at home and abroad.

Let me take this moment to also thank all the men and women of our military for the sacrifice that they have made and continue to make for the sake of the aforementioned freedoms. I have close friends and family members that have served and are still serving in the post-9/11 military. One friend in particular who is a Marine was sent to Afghanistan very shortly after September 11, 2001 and was in the heat of the battle in some of the hottest spots there. I have a picture of a cousin of mine taken shortly after 9/11, who was already in the military prior to the 9/11 attacks, standing in the middle of a pile of rubble with Old Glory flowing in the background as he reenlisted to do his best to protect his country. To these and to all service members I say a heartfelt, “Thank you.” We will always be indebted to you.

One of the most memorable tributes that I have heard (out of the probably hundreds or thousands that have been made) was one called, “Meet Me In The Stairwell.” It was put together by a radio station in L.A. and came to be known under several other titles. It was picked up by stations all across the country and quickly became a favorite of thousands of Americans. I have located a site that has the full text and audio of that tribute and I thought I would share it with you. Click here to listen to and read “Meet Me In The Stairwell.” And may we never forget, may we always remember this day and know that freedom is still a cause worth fighting for.

-J