Wednesday, September 11, 2013

SEPTEMBER 11 ANOTHER DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY


By Lil Duncan

For me images of September 11,2001—the plane hitting the second tower—firefighters rushing in the buildings—panicked people jumping from the buildings—the bright orange flames along with the smoke and rubble—the people running through the streets— still evoke a pit in my stomach and tears to fight back. 
I’m sure that’s the case for many of you as well.
But just as that first day of infamy, December 7, means less and less each year as those who lived through it decrease, so the same will happen with 9/11.  It’s hard to believe that twelve years have already passed. That means those children going into middle school or junior high have no real memory of that day.
When I was assigned this day for my post, I wanted to write something profound that would inspire all who read it to be a better American. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind as I pondered what wonderfully, awe-inspiring words to write.
Instead, I’ll share my memories of that day and the days following the terrorist attack. Days when I remembered just how much I loved my country in spite of that fact that it’s not perfect.
Days when Americans came together in a way that I’d never experienced in my lifetime. After all, I’m a baby boomer who lived through Viet Nam. A war that polarized our country. A war where we are only now recognizing and honoring the heroes of that time. So to see Americans come together in love and support of one another and their country was an awesome sight for this cynical baby boomer.
Days when I was so proud to be an American as story after story came out of the heroes who ran into the building to save fellow Americans. Some of them came back out but not all. Stories of how people helped each other because it was the right thing to do.
Days when Americans fell to their knees in prayer.
Days when the spark of patriotism was relit and the embers are still felt today.
Days when we all remembered that the country we are blessed to live in is still a country worth dying for.
Days that showed me and the world that America was still home of the brave.
Please take a moment to reflect on that day. Please take a moment to honor those who died that day. Please take a moment to pray for those who lost someone they loved that day.
I hope others will take the time to share their thoughts, memories, and insights from that day as well.

Duncan…Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem.

Lillian is a multi-published author. Her most recent releases include, The Christmas Stalking, Deception, and Pursued. Her next release, Betrayed, will be released in 2013. She writes the types of books she likes to read—fast-paced suspense with a touch of romance.

She lives in a small town in the middle of Ohio Amish country with her husband, three parrots, one Jack Russell, and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She recently retired from her day job as a speech-language pathologist.

To learn more about Lillian and her books, you may visit her at www.lillianduncan.net or connect with her on a variety of social media sites. Her blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes can be viewed at www.lillian-duncan.com . She also has a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com.



6 comments:

Caroline said...

May we never forget, Lil! Lovely post.

Gail Kittleson said...

Well, Lillian, you DID write something to inspire us. Thanks.

We were in Oregon. My sis called from Iowa to tell us about the towers - I woke my husband up, he turned the TV on, and said, "OH boy. Our unit is going." And they sure enough did.

I remember mentioning it to a young clerk in the grocery store - he hadn't heard the full impact yet, and pooh-poohed it. But I'm certain his attitude changed within the next few hours.

Thanks again.

Gail Kittleson

H. Kirk Rainer said...

...and may we continue to question who was responsible.

Barbara Mountjoy said...

I had called off sick from work that day, and just by chance turned on the television just about 8:30. The rest of the day was just in shock, and I connected with my online 'family', sharing bits of news and anything we could get our hands on as the events unfolded. A day I'll certainly never forget.

Donna B said...

Wonderful post, Lil! My prayers go out to those who lost someone on that horrible day. I agree, Caroline, may we never forget!

Claude Forthomme said...

I agree with everyone who commented before me. Although I'm a European, we were equally shocked and communed with America's terrible pain...