Wednesday, September 11, 2019

September 11: Never Forget

Eighteen years.  How quickly they have passed.  I still remember where I was that fateful morning. I also remember how this country came together as one united people, forged from the fires of terrorism.

The 9-11 attacks are accurately called the Pearl Harbor of our time.  They will continue to be remembered by our country as long we do not become complacent.  We don’t get the day off, so 9-11 won’t become a three-day weekend for holiday makers.  Instead, it has the real possibility of sliding into “just another day” when the average person in America has to go to work, go to school, and in general take care of daily affairs.  Of course, there will be the “big” ceremony in New York, but that has become expected much like the annual wreath laying at Pearl Harbor on December 7.

Locally, though, what’s happening?  I’m in Washington this week.  A quick search told me that on September 11 AARP is having a Celebration of Service Meal Pack Challenge on the National Mall.  I wanted to attend the Pentagon’s memorial service, only to find that the Memorial is closed to the public for a private service to allow family members of those lost in the terrorist attack to observe the memory of their loved ones.  The media will be there of course so I guess we will see it on the five o’clock news.

Even though organized celebrations seem to be on the wane, I’ll remember. I’m sure there are millions of other Americans who will remember even though they can’t take off work to attend an official event.  So it seems that we must carry that day in our hearts, regardless of whether we attend an event or not. 

Perhaps that’s the best way to ensure the memory will stay alive.