I began my morning by hearing that song by Alan Jackson on the radio on my drive in to the office. Funny how a song can bring up memories and emotions not thought about in a while. I remember the attacks vividly, watching the coverage as I sat with brothers in the firehouse of our Volunteer Fire Department in Ohio on that day.
I remember the haunting feeling for days afterward of not seeing vapor trails in the skies. More than anything else though, I remember how America came together as one during that time. Race, religion, political views and other dividing factors did not seem very important. If there is a lesson to be learned eleven years later, it is to remember what is important and separate that from the trivial.
Today, I will be attending a memorial service in my home town, 2500 miles away from where I was eleven years ago. This service will remember those that lost their lives that day, but will concentrate on the over 300 Firefighters that also lost their lives doing what they do and running into the danger to get others safely out.
No matter what your view is today, eleven years after the fact, please honor the Firefighters, Police and other emergency workers as well as our military today. That fateful day, and every day before and after that day, they put it all on the line to protect us. Our lives, property and liberty are protected by a brave few so that we can sleep well at night and worry about trivial things again. Give them a smile, a handshake and a sincere thank you for putting their lives on the line every day for us. There are heroes all around us who definitely don't do it for the pay, let them know they are appreciated.
Normally, I would put my footer at the bottom, but I feel this day needs to be about them, not me. Have a wonderful day, and be thankful for all that you have.
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