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:
May we never forget, Lil! Lovely post.
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
...and may we continue to question who was responsible.
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.
Wonderful post, Lil! My prayers go out to those who lost someone on that horrible day. I agree, Caroline, may we never forget!
I agree with everyone who commented before me. Although I'm a European, we were equally shocked and communed with America's terrible pain...
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