9/11. Those are two numbers we will never forget; they will be etched in our souls for a lifetime, like that of a painful scar that never goes away. Most of you can probably remember exactly where you were when you heard the tragic news of that heart-wrenching day. It seems like it was only yesterday when I turned on the television to see the panic of men and women running away, and into the buildings, people screaming, debris flying, injured or dead all around, and the towers collapsing. Most of us were all watching this on TV while being hundreds of miles away with a feeling of helplessness and intense pain and sorrow. It was almost more than most of us could mentally endure.
On September 11, 2001, thousands of families were torn apart. There were many empty chairs around family dinner tables all across America that day. Children lost parents, wives became widows, husbands became widowers, and parents were childless. As always, good came of this evil, an example of this good was standing room only for many churches across America. It truly moved me to see so many flags and patriotic signs going up in yards, businesses, and on people’s cars. It brought patriotism back to America again, but most importantly, a renewed faith in God.
It’s hard to believe that it’s nearly been two years since Bin Laden and his sick cohorts failed to break America’s strong will. Even though the wounds of the attack are beginning to heal we need not forget the lessons that we learned on that horrific day. I’m beginning to see much of the patriotism that came of September 11th disappear from our daily lives. Where are all the flags that were raised up two years ago? Most are beginning to fade and wear, but let us not allow the memory of 9/11 fade and wear from our hearts. Winston Churchill said, "A nation that forgets its past is doomed to repeat it."
Let’s not forget what brought us together as a nation standing strong after the attacks, and what led us together to our churches. Especially now, while we still have brave troops deployed throughout the world fighting to preserve our freedoms that we enjoy today.
Patriotism and religion should not occupy our thoughts solely during difficult times. Let’s remember now, it shouldn’t take a national tragedy to get our attention! Replace that worn-out flag in the yard and join your neighbors at church again. It’s so easy to forget the important things in life during the good times - this is especially true for most Americans who live in a “microwave culture” of wanting it now. Let’s not wait again until the rough times to remember God and Country.
"We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we may always be free." – Ronald Reagan
God Bless America,
Seth Weathers