Posted on 09/10/2003 9:51:27 PM PDT by Sonar5
September 11th, 2001. A day in which most United States citizens and many around the world will remember. I remember it as I was driving to work. I was living in Illinois at the time, and I was almost to my office when I heard the news report on the radio.
It had stated a twin propeller airplane had crashed into the World Trade center. They stated it may have been a DC-3. Being a pilot, I immediately went into aviation mode. I then said a short prayer for those who lost their lives not realizing what was to come.
When I arrived in my office, I immediately turned on my TV, and watched in horror as the second tower was hit. It was at this time, I knew it was terrorist related. Shortly after that the pentagon was hit as well.
I couldn't help but think of the people I knew that worked in those towers. Having worked for two major Investment firms over the last six years, I have visited friends in those towers and still have their business cards. I could not help but wonder whether those I knew had perished or not. I found out later that none had.
After being in shock as to what was happening, I called my wife and advised her to watch TV, and if anything else happened to go pull the kids from school. I then started the trip home. Relying on my past military experience and not yet realizing whether we were at total war and under national attack, I called my wife and had her head off to the store for groceries, keep the kids at school, and knowing there would be a run at the stores later on if it got any worse.
I then heard about the FAA grounding of all flights on the way home, as well as the report of the crash in Pennsylvania. I was bleeding mad at that time and all I could think about was why us. Why would anyone attack us. I realize now the why's of that horrific day.
So as I sit two years almost to the day, I can't help but think about those heroes that lost their lives that day. Those on the airplanes, the everyday heroes in the towers who helped others instead of themselves and did not survive, as well as the firemen, police, and other responders.
I still grieve when I think of their sacrifice.
But what did they sacrifice? In my opinion they sacrificed their lives that others might live. Some did not realize their sacrifice instead dying before they even realized what had occurred. But they are heroes none the less.
For they sacrificed what every military person does when they take the oath to defend our country, The United States of America. Having served in The United States Marine Corps, I took that same oath. We have taken that oath because we believe in freedom and liberty and will not accept anything else but our right to our way of life.
In the Constitution, they talk about the militia. The militia was activated that day on the flight that crashed in Pennsylvania. Their act of heroism now means that it is unlikely a successful hijacking will take place again in our country. We as a nation, not unlike 1941, have awakened a sleeping giant. For too long we have tried to appease terrorists, and I am now proud to say we are fighting back and with the tip of the sword. It is with that sword that I support our nations efforts to fight terror. Our security as a nation is more important than the economy, jobs or anything else at this point, since without security, we have no nation and nothing else matters. So keep your eye on the ball folks.
So where are we now?
Two years later, and despite veiled threats by extremist muslim terrorist scum, we have to see another major attack inside of our borders. This can be attributed to the massive law enforcement efforts inside our country and beyond. That is a success. In addition, we have returned Afghanistan to their people, and it is no longer the perceived haven for terrorists it once was. Things are not perfect, but I think the people are better off than before.
Since September 11th, 2001, it is reported that 2/3 of Al Quaida have been taken out. In addition we have captured or killed many of the leadership in that group and others. Unfortunately, there are others who are stupid enough to continue their hatred of our way of life, but it is in vain. We will not rest until these terrorists are taken out. I still believe in the mantra “You are either with us or against us” as spoken by President Bush.
So for now, think of those who lost their lives since that day, pray for their families and friends, and reflect on our way of life. I leave you this week only with a quote from President John F. Kennedy, made at his inauguration as President on January 20, 1961.
It is this sentence that we all need to reflect on, for it holds true today as strong as it did in 1961.
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”
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I thought some would reflect upon what I had written in memory of those heroes who gave their lives for our way of life.
Regards,
Sonar5
One of the best lines ever from a Presidential speech. President Bush believes it too, as do I.
I will not yield;
I will not rest;
I will not relent
in waging this struggle for freedom
President George W. Bush
September 20th, 2001
Thank you for your courage and leadership Mr. President!
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