9/11...WHERE WERE YOU? HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOU?

9/11...WHERE WERE YOU?  HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOU?  We will hear those questions today, and I have clear recolections of that day--don't you?

I was a mortgage loan officer with MORTGAGE RESOURCES INC. in Nashville, Tennessee.  I had arrived at the office shortly after 6 AM, made a pot of coffee and settled in to doing paperwork.  I realized I had left my laptop computer at home, and decided to return home and get it.

I arrived home about five minutes before the first plane hit the World Trade Center.  My office television was on "Fox and Friends" when I walked in (I'd forgot to turn it off), and I began to bundle my laptop cables, etc.  Programming was interrupted by a News Alert: I stopped to watch... I called my loan processor and told her to turn on the radio.  I remained in front of my TV... un-believable.

Isn't that similar to your morning?  But, HOW HAS IT CHANGED YOU?

I saw hundreds of American Flags going up around town.  I saw a President rise to the occassion, and rally America.  Critics abound, but I THINK HE DID THE RIGHT THING, AND FOR THE RIGHT REASONS.  I do not impune his integrity nor his actions.  He WAS AMERICA'S PRESIDENT--not a politician.

I saw scores of acquaintances re-think their prioroties.  I was a 54 year old veteran ready to take up arms in defense of the land I love.

I learned two things about patriotism that day: (1) Age has nothing to do with one's resolve, and (2) there was no lack of patriotism among our citizens.

I learned two things about myself that day: (1) Easy-going Fred can get mad in a hurry, and (2) heart and mind were willing, but age has taken a toll on the body.  I have no doubt that had President Bush could have easily called up several divisions of Vietnam Vets with a simple command.  I wasn't the only mad vet around.

I think the world learned something as well: (1) sleeping giants wake up angry, and with regard to America, "These colors don't run."

These are important things, and this day helps temper my response when I hear someone whine about some insignificant unhappiness.  I'm mindful of our troops in harms way, and the sacrifice they make; and I'm grateful to families who share these brave young patriots with a thankful & dependant nation.

TO EVERY AIRMAN, SOLDIER, SAILOR, AND MARINE: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.  THANK YOU TO GEORGE W. BUSH and every President placed in the difficult position of putting our best & brightest between us and our enemies.  THANK YOU GOD FOR MAKING ME AN AMERICAN!!!