as reports continued to add detail to the events of that day, i had sickest of feelings in the pit of my stomach. but now, seven years later, watching the scenes replay minute by minute i am overwhelmed with horror and grief.
one of my sisters was living in boston at that time and with the chaos that ensued we weren't able to communicate with her and she could not contact her husband for most of that day.
the in the days following, unable to concentrate on the simplest of tasks and debating what to do with myself as the events continued to unfold, i purchased a large american flag to hang from the front eave of my business. what else could i do living in a small town thousands of miles away?
today watching the collected scenes of that september morning, the impact is much greater. seeing the faces of the firemen and police officers putting one foot in front of the other, looking up at those towers, not knowing that they were are heading towards their death, i can only hope that i continue to remember the things that are the most important to me.
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is possible for me because of the ability of common people to show uncommon valor in times of tragedy and hardship. the people who fight back and have the courage to defend these ideals and care more for others than themselves.
the greatest generation, which included my grandparents, sacrificed everything they had in order to stand tall and fight back. they grew victory gardens, donated time, money... down to the nylons off their feet and the pots and pans from their kitchens. the people of this generation supported the cause of freedom with undying faith and fortitude. they cared more about the rights of many over the wants and whims of the few. they are those who fought against evil no matter the cost.
the war against terrorism will not be won by idealistic talk of change and those who "damn america". we will find victory through those individuals who truly sacrifice to make this world a better place, without the pretense of perfection or political rhetoric, the common people of this generation who try to do their best for this country and the people who put their trust in them.
talk is cheap, fame is fleeting and i have faith that the good in us will prevail.
