Remembering 9/11
Today marks the tenth anniversary of 9/11. The numbers nine and 11 will forever be etched in the minds of people around the world who were old enough to be aware of what happened that tragic day. I’ll never forget my husband walking up to me and simply saying “something has happened.” After hearing those words, my husband and I were glued to the TV, we called everyone we knew in New York, D.C. or possibly on a plane in Boston to check on them. We cried and hugged each other. Stunned.
Ten years later, I still am at a loss for words to express how I feel. I spent time watching the anniversary specials on TV, reading the new articles and shedding more tears. I was not a mother on 09/11, so ten years later, the events mean different things to me. It affects me differently now. Still impactful and still horrific, but different.
I was not sure how to remember the day. Honor the people who died that day, the people who saved lives that day. My husband and I proudly hung the United States flag on our house. We dressed in red, white and blue. We went to church. The flag is an obvious choice. The clothing is just a way to honor our country; we wear patriotic clothes every Fourth of July and today seemed fitting too. Going to church was seeking comfort, reason, inspiration and hope.
Like churches all over the country, my church offered an Act of Remembrance, which helped me find the words I needed. I share those words with you today:
When we remember stockbrokers, office workers, maintenance workers, bystanders, window-washers and all the others who worked together so valiantly to help each other, we can say together,
We remember great courage.
When we recall the firefighteres who rushed upstairs as most of everyone else was racing out, we can say together,
We remember selfless service.
When we recall teh police officers who stiod to protect and defend the people and perforned their duties, we can say together,
We remember selfless sacrifice for the safety of others.
When we recall those citizens who rushed to help, did all they could to helo we can say together,
We remember and give thanks for dutiful commitment to those in distress.
When we recall the thousands of workers, women and men, old and young, single and married, American-born and those born in countries around the word who did not escape the buidlings, we can say together,
We remember the loss of human life.
Please share my thanks and respect to Rev. Dr. John Elford and the University United Methodist Church if Austin, Texas for those words. Read more from Pastor John at his blog, he’s doing his best to Keep Jesus Weird each and every day.
God Bless America, my home sweet home.
- LTV Mom
Photo Credit: SB Nation
Just trying to squeeze in some television between mothering, working and crashing.
