Today is Patriot Day. According to Wikipedia..."In the United States, Patriot Day occurs on September 11 of each year, designated in memory of the 2,977 killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Initially, the day was called the Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.
U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 71 was approved by a vote of 407–0 on October 25, 2001. It requested thatthe President designate September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day". President George W. Bush signed the resolution into law on December 18, 2001 (as Public Law 107-89[1]). It is a discretionary day of remembrance. On September 4, 2002, President Bush used his authority created by the resolution and proclaimed September 11, 2002 as Patriot Day.
On this day, the President requests that the American flag be flown at half-staff at individual American homes, at the White House, and on all U.S. government buildings and establishments, home and abroad. The President also asks Americans to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 A.M. (Eastern Daylight Time), the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001."
Traditionally this day has also been a day of service. Presidents Bush and Obama have asked citizens to perform some kind of service in tribute to the families of the 2,997 lives lost in the attack. It is not a national holiday in that everyone gets the day off work, but it is a day we, as Americans, will never forget. Ever.
As you go through your day today, doing what you do on a Tuesday, please take a moment to remember how much our world changed that day. Remember perhaps in prayer, the lost and the families left to mourn. Remember where you were, how you felt and don't be surprised if remembering brings a tear or two. It was a terrorist attack. Not the first, but by far, the most devastating.
If we live in fear, if we give up our freedoms, if we change who the USA is, they win. The terrorists get what they want. They want us to be afraid. They want us to change our free way of living and live in terror. We will not. We will not be afraid and we will not live in a military state to be safe. We will be Americans and plan and work and gather intelligence and eventually, those who hurt us, feel the wrath of the American strength. In this case, Seal Team 6 carried out that plan under the orders of their Commander in Chief, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America. God bless the USA. And may God bless those who protect us daily and those who make the kinds of decisions that lead to the fall of Osama Bin Laden.
Walk freely today and hold your head high, you are being protected by the best of the best and you are an American with the heart of an Eagle and the pride of a free nation.
God bless our servicemen/women and thank you each and every one for your sacrifice and your service. My flag is at half-mast today in honor of the lost souls of 9/11 and our own local hero Shane Cantu who was buried 9/10/2012 after giving his life for his country late August. God rest his soul.
Jo
I just rewatched the events of that entire morning-- took almost 3 hours. I watched with my daughter as a history lesson and we did some discussion--as she was quite young when all this happened. To watch the broadcast 'as it happened' all over again just brought up so many emotions for me. The overwhelming feeling that hit me was of gratitude, although sadness was a close second. I love this country-- I am thankful that the terrorists didn't win. I love and appreciate those who have put on that uniform to defend our country--knowing they put our country first even before their own life. I am thankful to live in a country where all of this is possible. May God Bless the USA.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless America and the humans who try to maintain within her boundaries. I did not watch TV this morning. I reflected and I read and I remembered. I miss and wish for the unity my country felt in the aftermath. I pray for the families and the first responders.
DeleteI remember.
Jo, thank you for this—and other—thoughtful reminders.
ReplyDeleteThank you for responding. I enjoyed your post very much. So well done.
DeleteI do remember.
I great reminder of things we can be doing to commemorate the day and the sacrifices
ReplyDeleteI'm engaging in a moment of silence, also, for Shane Cantu.
Sounds perfectly perfect. Rest his soul.
DeleteVery moving post Jo and well said.
ReplyDeleteKathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
Thank you Kathy.
DeleteThis post is so moving Jo.. I've been in tears on and off all morning.. Thank you.. We will never forget..
ReplyDeleteThis day always brings some tears as a few other anniversaries do. Thank you for sharing this with me. I'll never forget, either.
DeleteEven after 11 years I still find it difficult to watch some of the footage of what happened (yes I'm a mush and cry still) but no matter what, we must never forget those who were taken from us much too soon.
ReplyDeleteI agree and we must always remember the first responders who did what needed to be done at the cost of their own safety and for many their own lives. This country is filled with extraordinary people who do extraordinary things every day.
DeleteIt's important for us to stop and remember the many lives lost and the thousands of other lives directly effected by this tragedy. We remember too all the fallen heroes around the world who gave their lives so that we might continue to enjoy our freedom.
ReplyDeletethat is the whole point. Remember. Move on. Respect.
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