It’s important to remember 9/11. It’s important to remember that our Nation was attacked in a most cowardly fashion by terrorists on that day, resulting in the deaths of over 3,000 people. It’s important to remember that there are still people around the world that wish to do us harm simply because we are Americans, and that those people don’t care who they maim or murder in their quest to achieve their goals of destroying our Nation.
But it’s even more important to remember the aftermath of the attacks on 9/11. Americans put their differences aside and came together as countrymen. Many first responders marched into the towers and into the face of danger to help their fellow man. Many of them lost their lives in doing so. Many at the sites of the attacks came together to help their neighbors escape the fiery crucible, or to comfort them in their final moments. Many people from around the Nation (and, in fact, the world) volunteered their time and energy to help out in any way they could. People from all over descended upon New York City to help in the rescue/recovery efforts, working tirelessly to free people trapped in the rubble. Many people offered their money, their time, their compassion and empathy, and anything else to help those affected by the attacks.
We were all proud to be Americans and were able to put our petty differences aside and support each other and mourn and grieve all as one. Nobody cared if you were Republican or Democrat, gay or straight, black or white, rich or poor. We were all in it together.
Americans have always been able to put aside our differences in times of national crisis. We have always been galvanized and made stronger together when facing difficult times. That has been a defining trait of Americans.
Now, more than ever, we need to find that ability within us and come together as a Nation. We are facing a crisis unprecedented in our history. We need to come together as Americans, or we will be destroyed as individuals. We need to figure out a way to work together for the betterment of all. We need to find a way to support each other. We need to learn to treat our fellow countrymen as neighbors, and not as enemies. I have never seen such rabid animosity for people who are different. Our Nation was founded on the principle of people coming here from different places, with different backgrounds, and different beliefs and building a home where we could all live and thrive.
I believe with all my heart that we can get back there. I know that it starts with letting go of hate and reaching out with Love. I do believe that Love can conquer all.
