Patriot Day 2010

Patriot Day 2010
Originally uploaded by Sandee4242

What does 9/11 mean to you?

It's my youngest brother's birthday, so September 11th had meaning for me long before 2001. In addition, growing up in Salt Lake on Redwood Road, not far from the fairgrounds, it was always Utah State Fair time.

Then came the horrific events of 9/11/2001. The day was burned upon the consciousness of every American. You remember what you were doing at the moment you heard the news. Many, including me, remember watching (with my daughter) as the second plane flew into the towers.

Shortly after that, it seemed we lived in a different America. I was living in Salt Lake at the time, and I noticed people holding doors for others, strangers making eye contact and smiling in line at the grocery store or post office. It seemed we had a common goal. Unfortunately, the violence carried out against Middle Eastern people living in the United States was a dark shadow in that otherwise united time.

Flash-forward to today - nine years later, and it seems we're coming apart at the seams. Democrats hate Republicans, Republicans hate Democrats and the rhetoric is getting out of hand. It's the worst I can remember. The in-fighting in Washington has caused our government to come to a standstill, at the very time the people of this country need leadership the most. The proposed mosque a few blocks from the site of the Twin Towers has pitted New Yorker against New Yorker and American against American. It seems we have no tolerance left to spare. A lunatic preacher in Florida threatens to burn the Qur'an, despite warnings from all over the world of the violence it will incite, the AMERICAN lives he will put at risk.

There are signs of hope, at least on the religious front. Rosh Hashanah, Eid Al-Fitr and the anniversary of 9/11 all fall during this week of September. John Borelli, CNN, says "The calendar confluence seems designed to offer an opportunity for hope, for re-aligning priorities, for soul-searching and commitment." Rabbi David Saperstein of the Union for Reform Judaism declared that it is no longer an option to be silent about growing animosity toward Muslims in our society. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick added that attacking one religion in America is attacking them all.

So, today, Patriot Day 2010, I'd like to honor the patriots. The thousands who died that day - men, women, children, Christians, Jews, Muslims, young, old, black, white and every shade in between. The firefighters, policemen & EMTs who rushed into the buildings with no thought of their own safety. The heroes aboard Flight 93, who saved countless more innocent lives. The men & women of our Armed Forces who put their lives on the line every day for my freedom. The countless thousands of American soldiers who have given their lives for that principle.

I don't use this forum as a bully pulpit very often, so thanks for indulging me.

And I can't forget: Happy Birthday, Todd. I love you.